Somali Police Say 32 People Died in an Attack on a Beach Hotel; Al-Shabab Claimed Responsibility
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — In a devastating incident that rocked the bustling capital of Somalia, police reported that 32 individuals lost their lives and another 63 were injured following a brazen attack on a beach hotel late Friday evening. This tragic event underscores the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region, particularly by Al-Shabab, which has a history of violence targeting civilians in public spaces.
Police spokesperson Maj. Abdifatah Adan Hassa provided an update on the situation during a press briefing on Saturday, revealing that the casualties primarily included civilians. Among the dead was one soldier, while another was reported injured during the ordeal. Hassa's account aligns with witness reports that recounted chaotic scenes of violence and panic shortly after the attack began.
Eyewitness accounts depict a gruesome sequence of events that unfolded at Lido Beach, a popular leisure area in Mogadishu frequented by locals on weekends. Witness Mohamud Moalim recounted the fear and confusion as he saw a perpetrator donning an explosive vest just moments before detonating it near the beach-view hotel. "He blew himself up next to the hotel," Moalim stated, stricken by the tragedy that claimed the lives of some of his friends who had joined him that evening. The beachfront, typically known for its vibrant social scene, transformed into a nightmare as gunfire erupted in the aftermath of the explosion.
Another witness, Abdisalam Adam, described the aftermath of the explosion as harrowing, saying he "saw many people lying on the ground" and rushed to assist those who had been injured, helping transport them to nearby medical facilities for urgent care. The sight of wounded victims strewn across the area paints a grim picture of the attack's magnitude and its impact on the community.
The Lido Beach area has been a target for Al-Shabab militants in the past, indicating that such violent acts are part of a broader campaign to instill fear and assert control over strategic locations within Somalia. The most recent major attack in the area prior to this incident resulted in nine fatalities last year, illustrating a pattern of recurrent violence that disrupts daily life and inflicts lasting trauma on the community.
Al-Shabab, an affiliate of Al-Qaida, quickly took to their affiliated radio channels to claim responsibility for the attack, framing it as part of their ongoing struggle against the Somali government and foreign influences. Their motives are often rooted in a desire to instigate fear among citizens and destabilize the fragile state structure, which has been increasingly challenged by government forces and international support.
As the shockwaves from this latest tragedy reverberate through Mogadishu, calls for enhanced security measures and community vigilance grow louder. The Somali government's ongoing battle against militancy remains critical, yet efforts to rebuild trust and safety within everyday spaces like Lido Beach continue to face significant hurdles.
In the wake of such violence, the resilience of the Somali people is tested yet again as communities grapple with loss, fear, and a longing for a peaceful existence amidst a cycle of brutal attacks that seek to fracture their society.