Al Shabaab gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, where local leaders were meeting. Witness reports indicate at least four fatalities, with government forces engaged in an ongoing siege. The group claimed responsibility for the assault, which disrupted efforts to counter their influence in the region.
On Tuesday, gunmen attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, a central Somali town, where local elders and government officials were convening. Eyewitness accounts indicate a siege took place as law enforcement attempted to neutralize the assailants. Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker, reported that at least four individuals lost their lives during the assault, while government forces continued to engage with al Shabaab militants nearby.
The militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident, asserting that the death toll exceeded ten. Abdullahi Fidow, a clan elder, shared that the meeting aimed to explore strategies for counteracting al Shabaab’s influence in the region. He expressed regret about missing the meeting due to personal reasons just before the blasts ensued.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with initial blasts followed by gunfire. According to shopkeeper Ali Suleiman, the exchanges between government troops and militants led to substantial destruction at the Qahira Hotel. Meanwhile, Halima Nur, a nearby resident, reported hearing intermittent gunfire as the siege persisted.
The recent attack on the hotel in Beledweyne highlights the ongoing threat posed by al Shabaab in Somalia. As the militant group seeks to undermine the government, local leaders are actively trying to devise countermeasures. Eyewitness accounts provide insight into the chaotic conditions experienced during the assault, underlining the precarious security situation in the region.
Original Source: thesun.my
