Al-Shabaab militants attacked the Cairo hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a counter-terrorism meeting, resulting in varied casualty reports ranging from four to ten. The attack commenced with a car bomb and led to significant violence, with the group claiming more than ten fatalities. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a major threat to stability in Somalia despite military efforts against them.
Militants from Al-Shabaab executed an attack on the Cairo hotel located in Beledweyne, Somalia, where government officials and tribal elders were engaged in a counter-terrorism meeting. Reports suggest that casualties may range from four to ten individuals, though the exact numbers remain unclear. Al Jazeera reported details of the incident, which highlights the ongoing violence perpetrated by this terrorist organization.
The militants claimed responsibility for the Tuesday attack through a public statement. They initiated the assault by detonating a car bomb before storming the hotel, leading to armed confrontations with Somali security forces. This violent engagement persisted into Wednesday morning.
Witness reports from the scene, such as one from a vendor cited by Reuters, described hearing a significant explosion followed by gunfire, with an additional blast noted shortly thereafter. The attack resulted in part of the hotel being destroyed. Al-Shabaab’s declaration boasted that over 10 casualties had occurred, but reports vary widely on the actual figures, with some sources estimating at least four fatalities according to Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal MP from Beledweyne.
Al-Shabaab is a militant group that emerged during Somalia’s prolonged anarchy following the civil war in 1991, maintaining ties to Al-Qaeda. This organization has been waging war against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting government officials and military targets with the intent of establishing its stringent interpretation of Islamic law, while endangering civilians in the process. Despite efforts by the Somali government and African Union forces to curb their influence, Al-Shabaab continues to control significant rural areas in Somalia, posing a sustained threat to national security.
The recent attack on the Cairo hotel in Beledweyne by Al-Shabaab highlights the persistent threat posed by this militant group in Somalia. With varying casualty reports and intense violence, the incident underscores the challenges faced by the Somali government as it combats terrorism and seeks to restore stability. The ongoing activities of Al-Shabaab, linked to Al-Qaeda, represent a significant hurdle in the governance and security of Somalia.
Original Source: unn.ua
