Armed militants, identified as members of Al-Shabab, launched a coordinated attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, this morning. Witness accounts indicate that the incident began with a powerful car bomb detonation, paving the way for multiple gunmen to rush in, engaging in fierce clashes with local police and security officials. Current reports from officials on the ground claim at least ten individuals have lost their lives, with numbers possibly escalating as the siege continues.
The hotel was reportedly hosting a crucial meeting of local politicians and security leaders aimed at strategizing confrontations against the terrorist organization. Police officer Ali Mahad stated that efforts were underway to corner the remaining gunmen, as heavy gunfire and explosions echoed throughout the city. Eyewitness accounts reveal scenes of chaos, with locals describing the horrific moments that followed the initial blast.
Federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow mentioned that approximately seven gunmen are still holed up within the hotel, suggesting that enhanced military forces may be required to resolve the ongoing situation. As the security operation unfolds, local authorities are making arrangements to evacuate injured victims to the capital, Mogadishu, for urgent medical care.
This attack underscores the persistent challenges posed by Al-Shabab, which has maintained a violent insurgency in Somalia for over twenty years, exploiting the region's instability.
