Somali forces ended a 24-hour siege at the Cairo Hotel by al-Shabab militants, resulting in all attackers killed and an unknown number of civilian casualties. The assault highlights the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab to government officials and the insecurity in the region.
On Wednesday, Somali security forces successfully concluded a 24-hour siege of the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne, initiated by al-Shabab militants. Reports indicate that all attackers were killed, while the exact number of civilian casualties remains uncertain. The assault commenced with a car bomb explosion, targeting a venue frequented by traditional elders and military officials involved in the fight against al-Shabab.
Beledwyne, located approximately 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, serves as the capital of the Hiran region and is strategically important in the military’s efforts against the militant group. Mayor Omar Alasow confirmed the end of the siege and reported the death of six militants, although civilian casualties are still being assessed. Varied estimates suggest that at least six to eleven individuals, including respected elders, lost their lives during the incident.
Eyewitness accounts reflected the chaos, with one resident noting the death of family members amid the confusion. Visual evidence emerged online depicting thick smoke enveloping the hotel, highlighting the damage inflicted by the attack. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate, frequently conducts such assaults, challenging stability in Somalia despite ongoing military campaigns led by government forces and African Union peacekeepers.
The siege at the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne marked a violent confrontation orchestrated by al-Shabab militants, resulting in the deaths of both attackers and civilians. Somali security forces managed to neutralize the threat, yet the exact toll on civilian lives underscores the ongoing risks posed by al-Shabab in the region. This incident adds to the narrative of the group’s persistent attacks against governmental authority in Somalia.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
