Deadly Al Shabaab Attack Strikes Somali Hotel

Al Shabaab militants attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia, targeting a meeting of elders and government officials. At least seven people were killed, though the militant group claimed over ten fatalities. Government forces are working to clear the area of fighters. A separate clash in the Middle Shabelle region resulted in more deaths.

An attack by the militant group Al Shabaab on a hotel in central Somalia on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, as confirmed by local sources. Government officials and local elders were convening in the hotel to deliberate counteractions against the insurgents.

Responsibility for the assault was claimed by Al Shabaab, which is linked to al Qaeda. Witnesses reported that the attackers were able to breach the hotel's entrance through the use of explosives.

In addition to this incident, a separate skirmish occurred in the Middle Shabelle region, claiming more lives. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was present at the Mogadishu airport to welcome soldiers injured in these confrontations, as state media reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)