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Deadly Assault Leaves at Least Seven Dead as Government and AU Troops Restore Control
Somali government forces, with help from African Union troops, ended a 15-hour siege at Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne after Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack early Tuesday. The attack started with a huge car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel. At least seven people were killed, including traditional elders, military officers, and civilians, while several others were injured.
The siege happened while government officials and local leaders were meeting at the hotel to discuss military plans against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. Beledweyne, about 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of Mogadishu, is a key city in the fight against the militant group, which controls parts of rural Somalia and wants to impose strict Islamic law. The hotel, a central location for political meetings, was left heavily damaged after the attack.
According to witnesses, the attackers used heavy weapons, and loud explosions and gunfire could be heard in the area. Security forces responded quickly, engaging the militants in fierce clashes. The Somali National Army (SNA), along with troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), particularly Djiboutian forces, worked together to regain control. They surrounded the attackers and managed to end the siege after more than 15 hours.
“We worked throughout the night to rescue elders, military officers, and civilians trapped inside the hotel,” said Beledweyne District Commissioner Omar Calasow. He also mentioned that authorities are investigating to see if more explosives were planted in the building.
At first, reports confirmed at least six people were killed, but later updates indicated that the death toll might be higher. Two well-known traditional elders were among the victims. Federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow said that at least seven militants took part in the attack. Additional government forces had to be called in to finally defeat them.
The attack caused major disruptions in Beledweyne. Communication networks went down for more than five hours, making it hard for residents to stay in touch. Security forces blocked all major roads, making movement difficult, and businesses were forced to shut down temporarily. With roads closed and communications down, many people struggled to access essential goods and services.
Now, the city is slowly returning to normal. Transportation is resuming, businesses are reopening, and public services are getting back on track. Communications have also been restored, allowing residents to reconnect with loved ones and resume daily activities.
Al-Shabaab, a militant group linked to al-Qaeda, has been fighting the Somali government for over 20 years. Even though they have been pushed out of major cities, they still control parts of rural Somalia and continue to launch deadly attacks. The group uses tactics such as bombings, suicide attacks, and assassinations to try to overthrow the Somali government.
The Somali government, with support from African Union forces, has made significant progress in weakening Al-Shabaab. However, the group remains a serious threat. This latest attack in Beledweyne shows that Somalia still faces major security challenges as it works to defeat the militants and bring stability to the country.