Somali security forces ended a hotel siege in Beledweyne, killing all six assailants and later conducting airstrikes that eliminated at least 50 Al-Shabab militants. The actions are part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts following President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s call for a war against the group. Additionally, authorities closed 12 media outlets associated with Al-Shabab to combat the spread of extremist ideologies.
Security forces in Somalia confirmed the termination of a hotel siege in Beledweyne, resulting in the elimination of all six militants involved. Beledweyne District Commissioner Omar Osman Alasow stated that the siege ended early on Wednesday, involving traditional elders and security officials during the attack. He noted, “Our security forces successfully got rid of six militants who attacked a hotel where traditional elders and security officials were meeting.”
Al-Shabab, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., had claimed responsibility for the siege. Throughout the 18-hour ordeal, government soldiers, aided by African Union troops, rescued hostages and engaged the attackers, killing two militants. Alasow indicated that four militants detonated explosives as they faced imminent capture, during which seven others were killed, including significant figures from the government and traditional community.
Since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s declaration of a “total war” against Al-Shabab in August 2022, Beledweyne has become a focal point for community efforts against the group. Situated near Ethiopia’s border, the region has endured a higher frequency of terrorist acts than all of Somalia, aside from Mogadishu, with numerous fatalities resulting from attacks on public venues and government sites.
Following the hotel siege, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced that airstrikes led to the deaths of at least 50 additional Al-Shabab militants, including a key leader who orchestrated the group’s vehicle operations for attacks. NISA specified that the airstrikes targeted areas in Middle Shabelle and deemed the operation a crucial setback for the organization.
In further counterterrorism measures, NISA shut down 12 media outlets associated with Al-Shabab, aimed at curbing the spread of extremist narratives. This move follows previous closures of over 30 affiliated websites, intending to disrupt platforms that promote violence and misinformation. The government stated that they seized critical data and identified those responsible for operating these entities.
In summary, Somali security forces successfully concluded a hotel siege resulting in the deaths of six militants. Subsequently, airstrikes eliminated at least 50 additional Al-Shabab members, marking significant progress in the government’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts. Moreover, actions taken against media outlets linked to Al-Shabab further demonstrate the proactive approach toward eliminating extremist influence in the region. These developments reflect the government’s commitment under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to combat Al-Shabab’s influence and enhance security within the nation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
