Mogadishu (IDNE) — In a tragic escalation of violence, a coordinated attack involving a suicide bombing and gunfire at Lido Beach in Mogadishu friday night has resulted in over 30 fatalities and at least 150 injuries. The assault targeted several popular restaurants during peak evening hours, illustrating the calculated brutality of the perpetrators.
Somali National Television (SNTV) reported that at least five attackers were killed in the assault, with one blowing himself up, making a total of six perpetrators involved. The nature and timing of the attack, during one of the beach’s busiest nights, underscore the terrorists’ intent to maximize casualties. The attack occurred on Friday evening at Lido Beach, police confirmed. Security forces evacuated many civilians trapped in the area and safely defused an explosive-laden vehicle. Police will soon share with the public the number of casualties from this heinous terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the violence, stating, “I am deeply saddened and condemn the explosions carried out by terrorists against civilians enjoying their evening at Liido Beach. We pray to Allah to grant paradise to those who were martyred in this attack and to grant healing to the injured. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, relatives, and friends of the victims of these explosions.” He called for heightened vigilance and cooperation to prevent future attacks.
President Mohamed Farmaajo also expressed his condolences, saying, “On behalf of the Somali people and the nation, I extend my condolences to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack that took place in Mogadishu tonight. May Allah heal the injured and grant eternal rest to those who were martyred.”
Former President Sheikh Sharif highlighted the attack’s timing, noting, “The timing of this attack, on a Friday night when the beach was most crowded, shows the enmity that terrorists have towards the Somali people.”
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni offered his condolences in a statement, “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I extend my condolences to the people and families of the victims of the cowardly attack on innocent civilians at Liido Beach. May Allah grant them Jannah and wish for a swift recovery of the injured.”
Abdirahaman Abdishakur, former minister of planning, tweeted his grief, condemning the ruthless nature of the terrorists. “May Allah have mercy on those who were massacred by terrorists on Liido Beach tonight, and may Allah grant a speedy recovery to the injured. The horrifying images from the beach reveal the merciless nature of terrorism and its disregard for the values of Islam and humanity.”
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from politicians, former ministers, community leaders, and international organizations, all unified in their condemnation of the violence.
This assault marks a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Somalia. The current administration, led by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, faces increasing scrutiny as it grapples with a shift from offensive operations against Al-Shabaab to enduring frequent attacks in Mogadishu.
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