Al-Shabab gunmen attacked the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a meeting of officials and elders, claiming responsibility for killing over ten individuals. Witnesses reported blasts and gunfire, with varying death tolls noted in subsequent reports. The group has been fighting against the Somali government for over 16 years, posing ongoing threats despite military opposition.
Al-Shabab gunmen have launched an assault on the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, during a meeting between government officials and tribal elders to address the militant group’s activities. The attack has been claimed by Al-Shabab, which reported that over ten individuals were killed as violence erupted. Eyewitnesses describe a sequence of explosions followed by gunfire, marking the beginning of a fierce battle with Somali security forces.
Witness accounts of the event are varied; one local shopkeeper described hearing a significant explosion and subsequent gunfire. Al-Shabab released a statement asserting that they had caused more than ten fatalities during the siege. However, official death toll reports differ, with a federal lawmaker confirming at least four deaths and other reports suggesting that six people, including notable traditional elders, have died.
Al-Shabab emerged from Somalia’s protracted anarchy following the 1991 civil war and has maintained a violent struggle against the Somali government for over 16 years. The militant group, connected to al-Qaeda, targets government officials and military forces as part of its effort to impose a stringent interpretation of Islamic law, posing threats to civilians. Despite ongoing military efforts from both the Somali government and an African Union peacekeeping mission, Al-Shabab continues to control sections of rural Somalia, presenting a significant threat to stability in the region.
In summary, the attack on the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne by Al-Shabab highlights the ongoing volatility in Somalia, where the group poses a persistent threat to government officials and civilians alike. Despite claims of multiple fatalities by the militant group, official reports reveal conflicting numbers regarding the death toll. Al-Shabab’s continuous insurgency demonstrates the challenges faced by the Somali government in restoring order and security in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
