According to eye-witnesses and government officials, The attack on Qaahira hotel began with an explosives-laden vehicle detonating outside the building, followed by gunmen who forcefully entered the premises as the seige continues, at least 7 people were killed including clan elders, raising fears on the group’s capability to carry out coordinated attacks in several locations in central and southern Somalia.

The hotel was reportedly hosting conference to counter the terror attacks carried out by the group.

"I heard loud explosions followed by firefight.  I am scared, knowing nowhere to run.” Halima Osman, a local resident in Beletwein said.

The seige still continues as fire fight can still be heard from the hotel of this evening, according to Hiiraan State TV.

Somali terror group Al-Shabab immediately claimed the responsibility for the attack, claiming to have killed at least 10. 

A federal lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow condemned the attack, adding that the Somali security forces repelled the attack.

The siege left the town in shock, with residents mourning the loss of community leaders. "These were people working for our future,”  Abdi Farah, a local shopkeeper told local media "Al-Shabaab has taken that from us.”

Meanwhile, Somali Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said that 16 Al-Shabab terrorists were killed in a successful air raid near Basra in Middle Shabelle region.  The strike reportedly eliminarted key militant leaders and destroyed combat vehicles used by the group.

The group has intensified in their attacks in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan region, despite government’s offensive to liberate Shabab held areas.

- Developing story -