Ten killed in Al-Shabab hotel siege, Somalia

A deadly siege at a hotel in Beledweyne, Somalia, carried out by al Shabaab militants, has resulted in a rising death toll now confirmed at ten, though the group claims to have killed twenty. The attack began with a car bomb explosion, followed by gunmen storming the hotel where clan elders were meeting to discuss counteractions against the insurgents. Major Nur Aden, a police officer, reported that the attackers included four who detonated explosives and two who were shot by security forces. Witnesses described intense gunfire and explosions, with significant damage to the hotel. Al Shabaab's ongoing campaign aims to establish its rule based on strict Islamic law, and this incident highlights the persistent instability in the region. The federal government is continuing investigations into the attack while efforts are underway to treat the wounded.