At least six people, including traditional elders, were killed on Tuesday morning when the Alshabab militant group attacked a hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia.
The assault began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel, leading to intense clashes with security forces.
Initial reports confirmed four deaths, but witnesses later stated the toll had risen to ten. Among the victims were Elder Raho Raaxa Jeket, Elder Mohamed Osman Ileyna, Adan Mohamed Alasow Indhabur, and an officer named Galaangashe.
The attack targeted a gathering of politicians, security officials, and elders discussing an offensive against the group in central Somalia.
Alshabab claimed responsibility, stating that they had killed more than ten people.
Beledweyne, located about 335km north of Mogadishu, is a key location in Somalia’s fight against the armed group, which continues to launch attacks against government officials, security forces, and civilians.