Mogadishu, Somalia – A devastating explosion ripped through a popular beachside restaurant in the Somali capital late Friday, claiming the lives of at least 37 civilians and injuring 212 others, according to the country’s health minister.
The attack, which the government has blamed on the militant Islamist group al-Shabaab, has been described as the deadliest in Somalia since twin car bombings killed over 100 people in October 2022.
Health Minister Ali Haji said during a press briefing that 11 of the wounded are in critical condition.
Police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden revealed that a soldier also lost their life during the assault, while three attackers were killed and one captured alive.
Survivors of the horrific incident recounted the terrifying ordeal. Hassan Farah, who was enjoying a quiet evening with friends, described the scene as chaos erupted. “I was having a peaceful chat when suddenly there was a blinding flash and a deafening explosion,” he said. “People were screaming and bleeding, both inside and outside the restaurant.”
The aftermath painted a grim picture of the attack. The beach was littered with abandoned sandals and shoes as people fled for their lives.
In response to the tragedy, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre convened a meeting with security officials to devise strategies for bolstering the city’s defenses. The president’s office vowed to eliminate the terrorists responsible, calling on citizens to report any suspicious individuals.
Al-Shabaab, a militant group linked to al-Qaeda, has been a persistent threat to Somalia, carrying out numerous attacks on government, civilian, and military targets.
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