A militant attack involving a car bomb at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, resulted in at least six deaths, including two traditional elders. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of al-Shabab, which frequently targets government forces. Witnesses reported intense gunfire alongside substantial destruction caused by the blast.
On Tuesday, a car bomb detonated at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, resulting in the deaths of at least six individuals, including two notable traditional elders. The hotel serves as a meeting point for traditional leaders and military officials coordinating the government’s efforts against the militant group al-Shabab. Witnesses reported that intense gunfire ensued as attackers engaged security forces following the initial blast.
Muhsin Abdullahi, a local resident, confirmed the fatalities and noted that several individuals sustained injuries and were admitted to local hospitals. Social media footage depicted considerable destruction, with heavy plumes of black smoke rising from the site post-explosion.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, al-Shabab has a history of conducting violence and bombings against government and military personnel in Somalia. Despite ongoing military actions by Somali troops and African Union forces to counter the group, al-Shabab retains control over certain rural areas and remains a formidable threat in the region.
Beledweyne, situated approximately 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, serves as the capital of the Hiran region and is strategically essential in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab, which has links to al-Qaida.
The militant attack in Beledweyne underscores the persistent violence in Somalia, particularly from groups like al-Shabab. With at least six fatalities, including prominent elders, the assault highlights the ongoing threat to government officials and military personnel. The government’s continued efforts to combat these groups are critical as they strive to secure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.wral.com
