Mogadishu, August 03, 2024, The Europe Today: NHC reported that in a tragic and brutal attack, at least 32 people have been killed and dozens more injured at a popular beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, according to authorities. The incident occurred late on Friday night when a suicide bomber and gunmen targeted Lido Beach, a well-known destination in the city.
Police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan confirmed the death toll in a statement on Saturday, noting, “More than 32 civilians died in this attack, and about 63 others were wounded, some of them critically.” The initial death toll had been reported as seven but was later revised upward as more information became available.
Gunmen Open Fire at Beach
Witnesses reported that the attack began when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest near a hotel overlooking the beach. This was followed by five gunmen storming the area and opening fire indiscriminately on civilians.
“The merciless terrorists shot civilians randomly, and I saw seven dead bodies along the beach,” said police officer Mohamed Omar, speaking to the French AFP news agency on Saturday. “There were wounded people as well, but most of the civilians were rescued by the security forces,” he added.
Police have confirmed that all five gunmen were shot dead by security forces, while a sixth attacker detonated his explosives at the beach.
Local authorities have identified the attackers as members of the terrorist group al-Shabab, which has been responsible for numerous attacks in Somalia. Al-Shabab, which controlled vast areas of the country until being pushed back by a government counteroffensive since 2022, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia and the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and safety in the region. Authorities continue to investigate the attack as they provide aid and support to the victims and their families.
