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Militants Storm Hotel with Car Bombs and Gunfire as Security Forces Engage in Prolonged Firefight; Casualty Figures Yet to be Confirmed
Beledweyne (HOL) – A devastating attack occurred on Tuesday morning in the city of Beledweyne, located in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia. The militant group Al-Shabaab launched a coordinated assault on the Cairo Hotel, an establishment situated in the Howlwadaag neighborhood. The attack began with a series of bomb explosions, followed by a barrage of gunfire that erupted in the vicinity of the hotel.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the assault was initiated through the detonation of car bombs, which caused significant destruction and chaos in the area. The explosions were followed by heavily armed militants storming the hotel and opening fire indiscriminately. The attackers targeted individuals inside the building, including traditional elders and military officers who were reportedly gathered there to discuss and coordinate efforts against Al-Shabaab in the western part of the Hiiraan region.
As the attack unfolded, intense clashes between Somali security forces and the armed militants ensued within the hotel premises. The security personnel responded promptly, engaging in a firefight with the attackers in an attempt to neutralize the threat and regain control of the situation. The gun battle continued for several hours, with reports suggesting that parts of the hotel sustained substantial damage due to the explosions and ongoing exchange of fire.
The exact number of casualties resulting from the attack remains uncertain. Given the severity of the incident, concerns have been raised about the potential loss of life and injuries among both civilians and security personnel. Medical teams and emergency responders were seen rushing to the scene, attempting to provide aid to the wounded and transport them to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.
Residents of Beledweyne reported hearing loud explosions and gunfire from a distance, with some describing the attack as one of the most intense in recent months. The assault has instilled fear among the local population, as Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to stability in the region.
Despite the ongoing situation, the Somali government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. Authorities are expected to provide further details once the operation to secure the hotel is completed and a full assessment of the damage and casualties is conducted. Meanwhile, security forces remain engaged in efforts to clear the hotel and ensure the safety of any remaining civilians who may still be trapped inside.
The attack on the Cairo Hotel underscores the persistent security challenges facing Somalia, particularly in regions where Al-Shabaab maintains a presence. The militant group has frequently carried out attacks targeting government officials, security forces, and civilians as part of its ongoing insurgency against the Somali government and its allies. This latest incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and strengthened security measures to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and prevent further attacks on critical locations.
The international community has consistently condemned Al-Shabaab’s violent activities and pledged support to Somalia in its fight against terrorism. Efforts to enhance security operations, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism strategies remain crucial in addressing the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating within the country.
As the situation in Beledweyne unfolds, further updates are expected regarding the final toll of the attack, the response from security forces, and potential measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, the residents of Beledweyne remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis and a restoration of security in their city.