Tuesday March 11, 2025
Somali and African Union (AU) forces in heavy combat gear secure a position near an armored vehicle during an operation in Beledweyne, March 11, 2025.
Mogadishu (HOL) — African Union forces in Beledweyne, specifically troops from Djibouti participating in the new AUSSOM operation, have joined efforts to end a violent Al-Shabaab attack on the Cairo Hotel. The assault, which began early this morning, has led to extensive casualties and damage.
The attack started with a bomb explosion and has since escalated into hours of intense fighting between the militants and security forces. Djiboutian troops are currently working to bring the operation, which has now lasted over eight hours, to a close. At least six people have been confirmed dead, including elders, military personnel, and civilians.
The Cairo Hotel has suffered significant damage from both explosions and gunfire as the battle continues. The Al-Shabaab fighters, estimated at around six in number, remain inside the hotel, heavily armed and engaged in ongoing combat.
On Tuesday afternoon, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a group of Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers, wounded in the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab in HirShabelle, as they arrived at Adan Abdulle International Airport.
The situation is still developing, with communications in Beledweyne disrupted for over five hours, making it difficult to obtain further information. The attack has severely impacted the city’s transportation system, with all major roads blocked by heavily armed security forces. Movement within neighbourhoods has also been restricted as a result.
The conflict is expected to continue until nightfall, with the outcome of the operation still uncertain.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.