Gunmen Assault Hotel in Baladweyne, Somalia; Siege Persists

Gunmen attacked the Qahira Hotel in Baladweyne, Somalia, on March 11, 2025, resulting in at least four confirmed deaths. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, stating they killed over ten people. Witnesses described explosions and ongoing gunfire as the siege continues.

On March 11, 2025, an attack occurred at the Qahira Hotel in Baladweyne, central Somalia, where local elders and government officials had gathered. Reports indicate that at least four individuals have been confirmed dead, although casualties may increase, as noted by local federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow.

The Islamist militant group Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the assault, asserting that they have killed more than ten people. Al Shabaab is known for its violent campaigns aimed at destabilizing the Somali government to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

Witnesses reported hearing a significant explosion followed by gunfire, with further blasts noted during the incident. Ali Suleiman, a shopkeeper in the area, stated that parts of the hotel were destroyed after intense exchanges of gunfire between government forces and the assailants.

Another local resident, Halima Nur, confirmed that gunfire persisted intermittently as the siege progressed, illustrating the ongoing danger faced by those nearby the hotel. The situation remains fluid, with authorities responding to the scene.

The siege at the Qahira Hotel in Baladweyne highlights the ongoing threat posed by Al Shabaab in Somalia, as the group continues its violent efforts to destabilize the region. While initial casualty reports indicate at least four fatalities, further assessments are necessary as the situation evolves. Witness accounts reflect the chaos and destruction resulting from the attack, marking another tragedy in the fragile Horn of Africa nation.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com