An armed group claimed responsibility for an attack on popular Lido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, carried out the attack late on a Friday night, targeting the bustling seaside spot where Somalis gather on weekends. Security forces responded, killing five attackers and causing a sixth to detonate an explosive device, resulting in casualties. Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire expressed condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the attack, highlighting the terrorists’ hostility towards the Somali people. Al-Shabab has been fighting the central government in Mogadishu for over 17 years, carrying out bombings and other attacks across the country. The government relies on foreign troops and local armed groups, supported by an African Union force and US air raids, in their efforts to combat al-Shabab. However, the group has claimed recent territorial gains, leading to concerns about the withdrawal of an African peacekeeping mission by the end of the year. Lido beach has been a previous target for al-Shabab attacks, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in Somalia.
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Multiple casualties reported in al-Shabab attack on beach in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu | Al-Shabab Update
