Somali security forces have successfully ended a 24-hour siege at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne on Wednesday, after a deadly attack by the al-Shabaab militant group. The assault, which began with a car bomb explosion on Tuesday, left an unclear number of dead, including all six al-Shabab militants who carried out the attack, officials confirmed.
The Cairo Hotel, located in Beledweyne, serves as a key meeting place for traditional elders and military officers involved in coordinating Somalia’s offensive against al-Shabab. The blast targeted this strategic location in the central city, which lies around 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu, in the Hiran region.
Beledweyne has long been a focal point in the ongoing fight between Somali government forces and the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab. The group has frequently launched attacks in the region, including suicide bombings and ambushes targeting government officials and military personnel.
Local authorities reported that Somali security forces had managed to bring the siege to an end after engaging with the militants. “The siege has been successfully concluded, and all six al-Shabab militants are dead,” said Omar Alasow, the mayor of Beledweyne, on Wednesday.
However, the exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear. Some reports indicate that at least six civilians were killed, including two prominent traditional elders who had been present at the hotel. Muhsin Abdullahi, a local resident, reported the deaths of these elders, while another witness, Hussein Jeelle Raage, claimed that at least 11 people, including three of his relatives, had died in the attack.
Videos shared on social media showed thick smoke rising from the Cairo Hotel, with significant damage to the structure. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with a sense of panic as the attack unfolded and continued throughout the day.
Al-Shabab, which is known for its strong opposition to Somalia’s federal government, claimed responsibility for the bombing. The militant group has a long history of targeting government institutions and personnel, as well as foreign interests. Despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers, al-Shabab maintains control over large swathes of rural Somalia, continuing to pose a major security threat.
This latest assault in Beledweyne underscores the persistent challenges faced by Somalia in its battle against al-Shabab and highlights the need for continued security and counterterrorism efforts in the region. As Somalia’s military operations against the group intensify, both local residents and international observers remain concerned about the safety and stability of areas affected by the conflict.
