Somali forces ended a 24-hour siege by al-Shabab militants at the Cairo Hotel, resulting in the death of all attackers. The attack began with a car bomb targeting government officials. The civilian death toll remains uncertain, with varying local reports.
On Wednesday, Somali security forces concluded a 24-hour siege at the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne, following an attack by al-Shabab militants. All the militants involved are reported dead, though the civilian death toll remains unclear. The siege commenced with a car bomb explosion targeting a hotel frequented by traditional leaders and military personnel involved in government initiatives against al-Shabab.
Beledwyne, located approximately 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, serves as the capital of the Hiran region and a vital area in the fight against al-Shabab. Following the incident, Mayor Omar Alasow stated that security forces successfully ended the siege, confirming the death of six militants. Local accounts regarding civilian casualties, however, vary.
Local resident Muhsin Abdullahi reported six fatalities, including two prominent traditional elders, while another witness, Hussein Jeelle Raage, estimated that at least eleven people, three of whom were his family members, had perished. Social media footage depicted significant destruction of the hotel along with thick smoke billowing from the site.
Al-Shabab is an al-Qaida affiliate that regularly conducts attacks against the Somali government and military, posing a severe threat despite ongoing efforts by government forces and African Union peacekeepers to mitigate its influence in rural areas.
In summary, the siege on the Cairo Hotel in Beledwyne reflects the ongoing security challenges posed by al-Shabab in Somalia. The incident highlights the danger faced by traditional leaders and military officials in the region, while also illustrating the complexities involved in casualty reporting during such violent confrontations. The resilience of the Somali forces in responding to the siege underlines the ongoing battle against extremist groups within the country.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
