Police in Somalia reported that 32 people died and 63 others were wounded in an attack on a beach hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, on Friday evening. The assault, which resulted in one soldier’s death and multiple civilian casualties, was carried out by fighters from al-Shabab, al Qaeda’s East Africa affiliate, according to a statement from the group.
The attack occurred at Lido Beach, a popular destination in Mogadishu bustling with activity on Friday nights. Witnesses described an initial explosion followed by gunfire. Mohamud Moalim, one of the witnesses, recounted seeing an attacker wearing an explosive vest who detonated the device next to the beach-view hotel. Moalim mentioned that some of his friends at the hotel were either killed or injured. Another witness, Abdisalam Adam, saw numerous people lying on the ground and helped transport some of the wounded to the hospital.
At least 32 people have been killed and many more wounded in a suicide bombing and gun attack on a popular beach in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, according to officials.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linkedarmed group, claimed responsibility for the attackhttps://t.co/FBEQ60RMLs
— news4u (@FurqanTariq15) August 3, 2024
This area has been targeted by militants in the past, with a similar attack last year resulting in nine fatalities. In a separate incident on Saturday, seven people were killed when a passenger vehicle hit a roadside bomb about 40 kilometers from Mogadishu, according to state media reports.
Al-Shabab remains active in southern and central Somalia, continuing to launch attacks in the capital and other regions. The group extorts millions of dollars annually from residents and businesses as part of its efforts to establish an Islamic state. Last year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a “total war” on the militants, aiming to reclaim the country’s security.
At least 32 killed in suicide bomber attack in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu
At least 32 people were killed and many more wounded in a suicide bombing and gun attack on Lido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia. Al-Qaeda-linked armed group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the assault pic.twitter.com/s3VDlRHUq4— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) August 3, 2024
The attack comes a month after Somalia began the third phase of reducing peacekeeping troops under the African Union Transition Mission. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges Somalia faces as it strives to manage its own security against persistent militant threats.
Key Points:
i. Fatalities and Injuries: At least 32 people were killed and 63 others wounded in an attack on a beach hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Friday evening.
ii. Attack Details: Al-Shabab, an al Qaeda-affiliated group, claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident involved an explosion followed by gunfire, with a soldier and multiple civilians among the casualties.
iii. Witness Accounts: Witnesses reported seeing an attacker with an explosive vest detonating himself near the hotel. The area, popular on Friday nights, was crowded with people enjoying their weekend.
iv. Additional Attacks: In a separate incident on Saturday, a roadside bomb killed seven people when a passenger vehicle hit the explosive device approximately 40 kilometers from Mogadishu.
v. Background: Al-Shabab continues to control parts of southern and central Somalia, frequently conducting attacks in Mogadishu and other regions. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a “total war” on the militants last year.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
