Somali security forces have successfully ended a deadly 24-hour siege by Al-Shabab militants at a popular hotel in Beledweyne, central Somalia.
The attack, which began with a car bomb explosion, left seven people dead, including military officers, traditional elders, and soldiers.
The militants, estimated to be around seven, stormed the Qahira Hotel, where politicians, security officials, and traditional elders were meeting to discuss plans for an offensive against Al-Shabab.
Most of those in attendance were rescued, but the exact number of wounded is still unclear.
The siege ended on Wednesday morning, with the security forces neutralizing the attackers, either by killing them or causing them to detonate themselves.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had killed 20 people, including government officials and leaders of a pro-government clan militia.
The federal government is still investigating the incident and has not commented on the reported killing of officials.
The president of Hirshabelle state praised the security forces for their bravery in neutralizing the extremist militants.
Beledweyne, located about 335km north of Mogadishu, is a strategic location in the campaign against Al-Shabab.
The Somali forces, alongside African Union peacekeepers, continue to wage a campaign against the militants, who remain a significant threat despite ongoing military operations.
