MOGADISHU: At least 32 civilians were killed and 63 injured in an explosion on a popular beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu late on Friday evening, police said, an attack the government blamed on Al Shabaab.
It was the deadliest attack in the Horn of Africa country since twin car bombs detonated near a busy market intersection in October 2022, killing at least 100 people and wounding 300 others.
In addition to the civilians killed at the beach restaurant, police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden said one soldier was killed during the assault.
One of the attackers blew himself up while three others were killed by security forces. One attacker was captured alive, Aden said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility by the Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab, which has claimed similar attacks in the past, including the car bomb attack in 2022.
Hassan Farah, a survivor, described the shock as the explosion shattered a peaceful evening.
"I was in the restaurant sipping coffee and having a good chat with friends when I saw a big man running, in a second there was something like lightening and a huge blast," he said.
"We were covered with smoke. Inside and outside the restaurant many people were lying on the floor while others were bleeding and crying."
On Saturday morning, the beach was strewn with sandals and shoes left by people as they fled the scene.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met with security agencies after the attack and drew up plans to strengthen the city's security, the president's office said in a post on X.
"The government is determined to eliminate the terrorists. The terrorists want to terrify the civilians. Let the civilians report the terrorists hiding among them," the post said.
Al Shabaab controlled a vast area of Somalia before being pushed back in government counteroffensives since 2022. However, the fighters remain capable of launching significant attacks on government, commercial, and military targets.
Horrifying images spread on social media: People fleeing the beach in panic, others lying bleeding and screaming in the sand, pictures and videos from eyewitnesses showed. Shots can be heard in the background. Rescue teams were unable to reach the injured as the shooting continued.
In addition to gunfire, explosions could also be heard. A beach hotel was also the target of the attack. Lido Beach is a favourite weekend destination for Mogadishu residents. According to police reports, the shooting was preceded by an explosion from a suicide bomber.
Survivors reported horrific scenes from the attack.
"Everyone was running for their lives," said Shamso Abdi, who suffered the shrapnel injury at the hotel. "Suddenly there was smoke everywhere, I heard people screaming for help, including many small children and their mothers," reported Habiibo Abdullahi, who had been on the beach with her daughter. - Reuters/dpa
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
