On March 11, 2025, gunmen attacked a hotel in Baladweyne, Somalia, resulting in a siege that left at least four casualties, with Al Shabaab claiming responsibility. Witnesses described explosions and gunfire, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
On March 11, 2025, gunmen attacked the Qahira Hotel in Baladweyne, Somalia, where local elders and government officials were convened, resulting in a continuing siege. Witnesses reported that the attack has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, although federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow indicated that the casualty count could rise.
The militant group Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting to have killed more than ten people. This group regularly orchestrates violence within Somalia, aiming to overthrow the existing government and enforce its radical interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
Ali Suleiman, a local shopkeeper, recounted the horror of the scene, stating, “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.” He noted that extensive damage was incurred at the hotel, with parts of it left in ruins as government forces clashed with the assailants.
Another resident, Halima Nur, detailed the chaos as gunfire persisted intermittently during the ongoing siege, reflecting the instability the region continues to face amidst such violent attacks.
The siege at the Qahira Hotel in Baladweyne underscores the ongoing threat posed by Al Shabaab in Somalia, as evidenced by their recent attack resulting in casualties and destruction. This incident exemplifies the volatility of the region and highlights the group’s persistent efforts to destabilize the government and enforce their radical ideology. The situation remains perilous as authorities work to resolve the hostilities.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
