A devastating bomb attack on a beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, has resulted in at least 32 fatalities and 63 injuries. The explosion occurred late Friday evening at a popular resort where visitors were enjoying a swim. Social media footage from the scene captures a harrowing image of victims’ bodies scattered on the beach while bystanders flee in panic.
According to local police, the attack was carried out by one bomber who detonated the explosive device, while three other attackers were killed by security forces in the ensuing chaos. A fourth attacker was apprehended alive. This tragic event has sparked widespread condemnation and grief across the nation.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire expressed his deep sorrow over the attack, denouncing the violence and emphasizing that the timing of the assault—during a busy night at the beach—underscores the terrorists’ intense hostility towards the Somali people.
The attack has been attributed to al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-affiliated militant group that previously controlled significant portions of Somalia before recent government-led counteroffensives pushed them back. Despite these setbacks, al Shabaab remains a potent threat, continuing to launch major attacks on government, commercial, and military targets across the country.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia and the resilience of extremist groups despite government efforts to curtail their activities. The attack underscores the need for continued vigilance and effective counterterrorism measures to protect civilian populations from such devastating violence.
