Somali forces ended a 24-hour siege by al-Shabab at the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne, resulting in the death of the militants involved. The civilian death toll is ambiguous, with reports suggesting at least six to eleven fatalities, including prominent elders. Al-Shabab’s recurrent assaults pose significant security challenges in Somalia, particularly in the ongoing campaign against the group.
On Wednesday, Somali security forces concluded a 24-hour siege at the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne, which was initiated by al-Shabab militants. All assailants were reported dead, although the civilian casualty count remains uncertain. The siege began after a car bomb detonated at the hotel, which serves as a gathering place for traditional elders and military officers coordinating against al-Shabab.
Mayor Omar Alasow confirmed that six al-Shabab fighters were killed during the operation. However, details regarding the number of civilian casualties remain ambiguous. Reports from the area indicate contrasting figures, with local resident Muhsin Abdullahi stating that six individuals perished, while witness Hussein Jeelle Raage mentioned at least 11 fatalities, including three family members.
Beledwyne, situated approximately 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of Mogadishu, serves as the capital of the Hiran region. This area is strategically important in the ongoing campaign against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-affiliated group responsible for frequent bombings and assaults aimed at destabilizing the Somali government. Despite extensive military actions by government forces and African Union peacekeepers, the group continues to exert significant control over rural regions of Somalia.
Social media footage depicted thick smoke billowing from the site of the hotel, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted by the attack. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia, as they continue to oppose the federal government and target key figures within the nation.
The recent siege by al-Shabab in Beledwyne resulted in the deaths of all attackers, but the civilian casualty toll remains unclear, with varying reports emerged. The event reflects the ongoing security challenges faced by Somalia as al-Shabab continues to execute violent acts against government officials and military personnel, despite counter efforts by Somali forces and international partners.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
