At least 32 people were killed and 63 others injured in a powerful explosion on the popular Lido beach in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Friday. The explosion occurred at a restaurant located in the busy beach area, which is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The attack, which has been blamed on the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al Shabab, was the deadliest in Somalia since a twin car bomb attack in October 2022. That previous attack had resulted in at least 100 deaths and around 300 injuries.
According to reports, the explosion was a suicide bombing. Police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden revealed that one of the attackers blew himself up, while three others were involved in the assault. Security forces managed to kill three of the attackers, with one being captured alive. During the attack, a soldier also lost his life.
Hassan Farah, a survivor of the blast, described the chaos that followed the explosion. He said he was at the restaurant when he saw a large man running, followed by a blinding flash and a massive explosion. “We were covered with smoke. Inside and outside the restaurant, many people were lying on the floor while others were bleeding and crying,” Farah told Reuters.
Videos shared on social media showed bodies lying on the beach in the darkness and people fleeing to safety. Local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed by the influx of injured people and issued urgent appeals for blood donations to help those in need. The scene was described as chaotic, with many people in distress and seeking help.
The attack drew widespread condemnation from various leaders and organizations. Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire expressed his outrage, noting that the timing of the attack, when the beach area was crowded, highlighted the terrorists’ hostility towards the Somali people.
Faki Mahamat, chairman of the African Union Commission, called the attack “horrific” and “callous,” reflecting the broader international condemnation of such acts of violence.
Al Shabab, the militant group responsible for the attack, has a history of targeting government, commercial, and military sites in Somalia. Although the group lost significant territory due to government counteroffensives in 2022, it remains a potent force capable of carrying out major attacks. The Lido beach area has been targeted before, including a previous siege by al Shabab last year that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
The attack on Lido Beach is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Somalia and the continued threat posed by militant groups in the region.
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