At least 32 civilians were killed and 63 injured in a blast at a popular beach in Mogadishu on Friday evening. Somali state media attributed the attack to the militant Islamist group al Shabaab.
This marks the deadliest incident in Somalia since twin car bombs killed over 100 people near a busy market in October 2022.
Police spokesperson Abdifatah Aden reported the explosion occurred at a beach restaurant. Among the attackers, one detonated himself, three were killed by security forces, and one was captured alive. One soldier also died during the assault.
Survivor Hassan Farah recounted the chaos: “I was in the restaurant having coffee with friends when I saw a big man running. Suddenly, there was a flash and a huge blast. People were lying on the floor, bleeding and crying.”
Videos on X showed bodies on the beach and people fleeing in panic.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the timing of the attack, emphasizing its deliberate targeting of a crowded beach night.
Al Shabaab, despite being pushed back in recent government offensives, continues to launch significant attacks on various targets.
