Gunmen storm hotel in central Somalia, siege ongoing

Gunmen stormed a hotel in Baladweyne, central Somalia, on Tuesday, where local elders and government officials were meeting. The attack led to an ongoing siege, according to witness accounts and reports from relatives.

Dahir Amin Jesow, a federal lawmaker from Baladweyne, confirmed that at least four people had been killed, stating that casualty figures were still being assessed. The militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that it had killed over ten people.

Al-Shabab frequently carries out bombings and armed assaults in Somalia in an effort to overthrow the government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. Witnesses reported hearing a large explosion followed by gunfire, with a second blast occurring shortly after. Parts of the Qahira Hotel sustained severe damage as government troops engaged in an exchange of fire with the attackers.

Residents near the hotel described ongoing intermittent gunfire as the siege persisted, with security forces attempting to regain control of the area.