Somali forces end Islamist groups 24 hour siege at hotel

Somali security forces put an end to a deadly 24-hour siege at a popular hotel in Beledweyne.

According to BBC News, the attack by Islamist group al-Shabab started with the explosion of a car bomb, after which gunmen entered the hotel, leading to violent clashes with the country’s security forces.

“The attackers have been neutralised. Some detonated themselves while others were killed by police forces,” said mayor of Beledweyne district, Omar Osman Calasow.

The mayor said seven died in the attack but eyewitnesses believe the death toll will be higher. Calasow said the siege ended after 24-hours, on Wednesday morning, causing “significant damage”.

The attack at the Qahira Hotel took place as politicians, security officials and traditional elders were to meet to discuss plans for an offensive against al-Shabab in central Somalia.

Police officer Ali Mahad said that most in attendance were rescued.

Witnesses reported that seven gunmen set upon the hotel.

There are currently no reports of how many were wounded in the incident, though it is expected that it will be arranged for planes to fly victims to Mogadishu for treatment.

Parts of the Qahira hotel were left in rubble after the security forces and gunmen exchanged fire.

Witness Ali Suleiman said: “We first heard a huge blast followed by gunfire, then another blast was heard.”

Al-Shabab claimed they killed 20 people, including government officials and members of a pro-government militia.

Somalia’s federal government said it was still investigating the incident, and has not yet commented on the alleged killing of the officials.

Beledweyne is an especially strategic location in the fight against al- Shabab, as it is located around 208 miles north of the capital, Mogadishu.

Other countries have joined Somalia in their fight against terrorism in the region, with US President Donald trump launching air strikes against ISIS targets during February.

BBC News, Maghrebi, Al Jazeera