Somali and AU forces end 15-hour siege at Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne after Al-Shabaab attack

 Somali and AU forces end 15-hour siege at Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne after Al-Shabaab attack

Beledweyne (HOL) – Somali government forces, backed by African Union troops, successfully brought an end to a 15-hour siege at Hotel Cairo (Qahira) in Beledweyne. The attack, carried out by Al-Shabaab militants early Tuesday morning, began with a powerful car bomb explosion, leaving at least seven people dead, including traditional elders, military officers, and civilians. Several others sustained injuries.

The siege unfolded as government officials and clan elders gathered at the hotel to discuss an upcoming military offensive against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia. Beledweyne, situated approximately 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of Mogadishu, is a strategic city in the fight against the militant group, which continues to control rural areas and push for a strict interpretation of Islamic law. The targeted hotel has long been a center for key political discussions and security planning.

The attack started with a massive explosion, followed by heavily armed gunmen storming the hotel, sparking fierce clashes with Somali security forces. Witnesses reported hearing continuous gunfire and explosions as the militants engaged in a standoff with government troops. Parts of the hotel were severely damaged as security forces worked to neutralize the attackers.

Initial reports confirmed six casualties, though later updates indicated the toll may be higher. Among the victims were two well-known traditional elders. Federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow stated that at least seven gunmen were involved in the assault, prompting authorities to deploy reinforcements to eliminate the remaining threat.