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Somali security forces on Wednesday morning brought an end to a deadly 24-hour siege at a prominent hotel in Beledweyne, after heavily armed al-Shabab militants launched a coordinated attack that left multiple people dead. The assault, which began on Tuesday, was one of the latest in a series of deadly strikes by the extremist group, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the region.
The attack unfolded at the Qahira Hotel, a well-known establishment that was hosting a gathering of politicians, security officials, and traditional elders. The meeting had been convened to discuss an upcoming military offensive aimed at weakening al-Shabab’s strongholds in central Somalia.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assault began with a powerful car bomb explosion near the hotel’s entrance, followed by a group of heavily armed gunmen storming the building. Within moments, the area was engulfed in chaos as gunfire erupted between the attackers and security forces.
“We first heard a massive blast, then gunshots rang out. Minutes later, another explosion followed,” recalled Ali Suleiman, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the attack.
Somali security personnel quickly mobilized, surrounding the hotel in an effort to rescue those trapped inside and neutralize the assailants.
By the time the siege ended on Wednesday morning, security forces had managed to kill all the attackers. Some of the militants had detonated suicide vests, while others were shot dead by government forces, according to Beledweyne district mayor Omar Osman Calasow.
Initial reports indicated that at least seven people had died, including military officers, clan elders, and soldiers. However, independent sources suggested the death toll could be higher. The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that they had killed 20 people, including government officials and leaders of a pro-government militia. The federal government had not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties or whether any high-ranking officials were among the dead.
Law enforcement officers and rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate survivors. Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Beledweyne, confirmed that most of those attending the meeting had been successfully rescued. Meanwhile, medical personnel were arranging for the critically injured to be flown to Mogadishu for emergency treatment.
Parts of the Qahira Hotel were reduced to rubble as a result of the intense gun battle. The prolonged exchange of gunfire, coupled with the impact of the explosions, left the building heavily damaged. Debris littered the surrounding streets, and the hotel’s charred remains stood as a grim reminder of the deadly attack.
Speaking to the media, Mayor Calasow confirmed that the siege had officially ended, describing the destruction as “significant.”
“The security forces fought bravely to end the attack and prevent further loss of life,” he stated.
Beledweyne, located 335 km north of Mogadishu, has been a key battleground in the Somali government’s ongoing efforts to dismantle al-Shabab’s influence. The city sits in a strategic location that connects several regions, making it a crucial target for both government forces and militants.
For years, al-Shabab has carried out high-profile attacks in Somalia, targeting government institutions, security installations, and public spaces. The group, which has ties to al-Qaeda, aims to overthrow the federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Despite significant military operations against them, al-Shabab continues to pose a formidable threat, launching deadly attacks across the country.
Following the siege, Ali Abdullahi Hussein, the president of Hirshabelle state, praised the security forces for their swift and decisive action in neutralizing the militants. He urged unity in the fight against extremism, emphasizing that Somalia’s stability depended on eliminating terrorist threats.
“We must remain steadfast in our mission to rid our nation of these ruthless extremists,” Hussein said in a statement.
The Somali government vowed to continue its crackdown on al-Shabab, promising increased military operations in the region. Security officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening intelligence efforts to prevent future attacks.
Despite continued military pressure, al-Shabab remains one of the biggest security threats in Somalia. The latest attack highlighted the group’s ability to infiltrate high-security areas and launch coordinated strikes against government officials and security personnel.
As investigations into the siege continued, authorities were working to assess how the attackers managed to breach the hotel’s security and whether any lapses contributed to the scale of the incident.
The Somali forces, backed by African Union peacekeepers, have ramped up efforts to drive al-Shabab out of key territories. However, the attack in Beledweyne served as a stark reminder that the fight against terrorism in Somalia remains far from over.
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