Death toll in Mogadishu beach bomb attack rises to 37

Death toll in Mogadishu beach bomb attack rises to 37

A devastating attack occurred at the weekend in a bustling beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in the death of 37 individuals and injuring numerous others.

This incident marks one of the most deadly assaults in the region in recent months.

The militant group Al-Shabaab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been waging a long-standing insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for over 17 years.

They have previously targeted the Lido beach area, which is frequented by businesspeople and government officials.

Survivors of the attack recounted the harrowing events, describing how gunmen stormed the beach following a suicide bombing, intent on causing maximum casualties.

Disturbing videos shared online depicted the aftermath, with bloodied bodies scattered across the sand.

Somali Health Minister Ali Haji Adam confirmed the casualty figures in a statement on Saturday. He reported that 11 individuals are in critical condition, 64 remain hospitalized with serious injuries, and 137 with minor injuries have been treated and discharged.

The attack, for which Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, began late on Friday. A suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, followed by armed gunmen storming the area. Officer Mohamed Omar stated that the attackers randomly shot civilians. Security forces eventually neutralized the threat, killing five gunmen, while a sixth detonated an explosive device on the beach.

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Police spokesperson Abdifatah Adan Hassan emphasized that the attack demonstrated Al-Shabaab’s willingness to target not just government officials and soldiers but ordinary civilians as well.

Witnesses described the chaos as the explosion occurred amidst a large crowd, followed by the arrival of armed men who began shooting indiscriminately. Survivors recounted their experiences, with one describing the loss of a close friend and another detailing the horrific scene of blood and human remains.

Hospitals urgently appealed for blood donations to help treat the influx of wounded. Mahad Abdiaziz Ibrahim, a volunteer donor, stated that donating blood was the best way he could contribute to helping those in need.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced an emergency meeting with key security officials to address the situation. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned the attack as a “barbaric atrocity” contrary to the nation’s values.

Al-Shabaab has a history of orchestrating bombings and attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia. The group has claimed responsibility for numerous previous incidents, including a deadly siege at a beachside hotel in 2023 and a car bomb attack at a cafe last month.

The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, has condemned the attack, expressing condolences and calling for firm action against such atrocities.

Death toll in Mogadishu beach bomb attack rises to 37

AFP