Mogadishu Rocked by Deadly Suicide Bombing at Popular Beachside Restaurant

Mogadishu, (IDNE, News Desk) — A devastating suicide bombing at a popular beachfront restaurant on Mogadishu’s Liido Beach has left multiple people dead, in an attack that has sent shockwaves through the Somali capital.

The explosion occurred at the Beach View restaurant, a well-known gathering spot overlooking the Indian Ocean. According to witnesses, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives inside the establishment, triggering chaos and panic among patrons. Residents nearby reported hearing a loud blast followed by sustained gunfire, as security forces engaged in a gun battle with the attackers.

The militant group Al-Shabaab, which has waged a long-standing insurgency against the Somali government, claimed responsibility for the attack through its official radio station. The group announced that it had dispatched a team of suicide bombers to carry out the assault.

The scene of the attack, Liido Beach, is a popular destination for Mogadishu residents, particularly on weekends. However, it has also been the target of previous attacks by Al-Shabaab, who have repeatedly struck the area over the past few years. This latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by the extremist group, despite ongoing efforts by Somali and international forces to weaken its grip on the country.

As of now, authorities have not released an official death toll, but reports from the scene indicate that several lives have been lost. Emergency services are on the ground, and the area has been cordoned off as security forces continue to respond to the situation.

The attack underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government in its battle against Al-Shabaab, which remains a potent force capable of orchestrating large-scale assaults in the heart of the capital.

Idil News Team from Mogadishu