Several Dead as Al-Shabaab Gunmen Lay Siege to Somali Hotel
Beledweyne, Somalia – In a brazen assault, armed militants from the Islamist group al-Shabaab attacked the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The attack began with a powerful car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel, where local elders and government officials were meeting to discuss strategies to counter the militant group. The siege has resulted in multiple casualties, with reports indicating at least four fatalities, though al-Shabaab claims over ten people have been killed.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the militants breached the hotel, with gunfire and explosions echoing through the area. Parts of the building were left in ruins as security forces engaged in intense clashes with the attackers. Some gunmen remain cornered inside the hotel as security operations continue to neutralize the threat.
Al-Shabaab, which has been waging a violent insurgency in Somalia for over two decades, aims to overthrow the government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. This attack underscores the group’s continued ability to carry out high-profile assaults despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The siege at the Qahira Hotel remains ongoing as of Wednesday, March 12, 2025, with security forces working to regain control of the situation. The international community has condemned the attack, calling for increased efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
Citations:
1. Al Shabaab gunmen attack hotel in central Somalia, siege ongoing - Reuters
2. Gunmen storm hotel in central Somalia, siege ongoing - VOA News
3. Somali al-Shabab militants storm Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne - BBC
4. Chaos in Central Somalia: Hotel Siege Leaves Dozens Dead - Devdiscourse
5. Al-Shabaab Attack On Somali Hotel Kills At Least Four - Barron's
