In the central Somali city of Beledweyne, a devastating car bomb attack claimed the lives of at least six individuals, including two respected traditional elders, witnesses reported. The explosion took place at the Cairo Hotel, a venue known for accommodating traditional elders and military officers who are actively involved in the government’s campaign against the militant group al-Shabab.
Following the blast, which wreaked havoc on the hotel, an intense exchange of gunfire erupted as assailants attempted to storm the building, facing off against security personnel. Muhsin Abdullahi, a local resident, confirmed the death toll and mentioned that several individuals suffered injuries and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Visual evidence shared online showed ominous clouds of black smoke climbing into the sky above the hotel, highlighting the severe damage suffered by the structure. Although no entity has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the attack, al-Shabab is known for orchestrating such violent operations targeting both government and military figures in Somalia.
Despite ongoing military efforts by Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers, al-Shabab continues to maintain control in various rural sections of Somalia, posing a relentless threat. Beledweyne, situated about 335 kilometers north of Mogadishu, serves as the capital of the Hiran region and holds strategic importance in the continuous efforts to combat al-Shabab, a group linked to al-Qaida.
