Somali forces have ended a 24-hour siege by al-Shabab at the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne. The attack began with a car bomb and resulted in intense clashes with security forces. Mayor Omar Osman Calasow confirmed seven deaths, though the actual toll may be higher. The Hirshabelle state president praised the forces for neutralising the attackers and called for unity against extremism.
Somali security forces have concluded a 24-hour siege initiated by Islamist fighters at the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, where a deadly attack occurred. The assault, executed by al-Shabab, began with a car bomb followed by armed infiltrations, resulting in significant clashes with security personnel. Mayor Omar Osman Calasow confirmed that the attackers had been neutralised, with some detonating themselves, while others were killed by police forces.
The mayor reported seven fatalities from the confrontation; however, eyewitnesses anticipate a higher death toll. The attack coincided with a meeting of politicians and elders strategizing against al-Shabab in central Somalia. Police officer Ali Mahad indicated that the majority of attendees were rescued during the siege. A local lawmaker, Dahir Amin Jesow, noted approximately seven gunmen participated in the assault, and efforts were underway to transport the injured to Mogadishu for medical attention.
Reports describe extensive destruction of the hotel as government forces and assailants exchanged gunfire, with shopkeeper Ali Suleiman recalling the sequence of blasts and gunfire. Mayor Calasow reported that the siege concluded on Wednesday morning, leaving considerable damage behind, and highlighted that among those who perished were military officers and traditional leaders. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility, asserting they had killed twenty individuals, including government officials, although the federal government is still investigating.
Hirshabelle state president, Ali Abdullahi Hussein, commended the security forces for their diligent efforts in neutralising the attackers while urging unity in the ongoing fight against extremism. Beledweyne, positioned approximately 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, holds strategic importance in combatting al-Shabab, which remains a considerable threat amidst continuous military operations led by Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers.
The siege in Beledweyne underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab and the complexities involved in combating this extremist group in Somalia. The attack had led to significant casualties and damage, prompting a coordinated response from Somali forces. The importance of unity among political and security leaders in addressing this security crisis was emphasized.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
