Militants from Al-Shabaab attacked the Cairo hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a counter-terrorism meeting, resulting in multiple casualties. The assault began with a car bomb, leading to intense violence until the following day. While Al-Shabaab claims extensive casualties, reports vary, citing between four and ten deaths. Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat to Somali security despite ongoing military operations against them.
On a recent Tuesday, militants from the group Al-Shabaab targeted the Cairo hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, where government officials and tribal leaders convened for a counter-terrorism meeting. While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain, reports indicate that fatalities may range between four and ten individuals, as stated by various sources, including Al Jazeera and local authorities.
The attack began when insurgents detonated a car bomb before penetrating the hotel premises with gunfire. Intense conflict erupted between the militants and Somali security forces, continuing until the following morning. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the terrifying sequence of events, marking a loud explosion followed by further blasts and gunfire, resulting in part of the hotel being destroyed.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that over ten individuals were killed. However, various reports present conflicting casualty figures, with some sources, including Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal member of parliament, noting at least four deaths, while the Associated Press cited six fatalities, including two prominent traditional leaders.
Al-Shabaab emerged amidst significant turmoil in Somalia following the civil war of 1991, with ties to Al-Qaeda. For over 16 years, the group has waged a campaign against the Somali government, seeking to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. Despite ongoing military efforts by the government and African Union forces to diminish its influence, the group continues to pose a considerable threat to security, particularly in regions outside the capital, Mogadishu.
In summary, the Al-Shabaab group’s attack on the Cairo hotel in Beledweyne underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia. The incident, characterized by gunfire and explosions, resulted in multiple casualties amidst a meeting aimed at counter-terrorism. Despite conflicting reports on the number of fatalities, the emergence and activities of Al-Shabaab reveal the persistent instability in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and counter-terrorism efforts.
Original Source: unn.ua
