Saturday August 3, 2024
Victims lie on the sand at Liido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, following a brutal attack by al-Shabaab militants on Friday evening. The assault, which began with a suicide bomber detonating an explosive vest at the Beach View Hotel, resulted in 15 deaths and over 100 injuries. Security forces later neutralized five attackers and evacuated trapped civilians. (Photo by a local resident)
Mogadishu (HOL) — A deadly attack by al-Shabaab militants at Liido Beach in Mogadishu has left 32 people dead and 63 others injured, according to Somali police. The attack began Friday evening with a suicide bomber detonating an explosive vest at the Beach View Hotel, followed by gunmen storming the premises.
Somali Police Force spokesman Major Abdifatah Adan Hassan confirmed the updated death toll and injuries during a press conference in Mogadishu. "The ruthless terrorists attacked innocent civilians at Lido Beach in Mogadishu's Abdiaziz district," he said. "The security forces eliminated all the terrorists behind the cowardly attack. Targeting and killing 32 civilians shows that these Kharijites will not only target government centers, soldiers, and officials," he added, using the term Somali officials use to describe Al-Shabaab.
Eyewitness Mohamud Moalim told The Associated Press that he saw an attacker wearing an explosive vest moments before the man "blew himself up next to the Beach View Hotel."
Somalia's state broadcaster added that medical teams and security forces were on the ground to assist the victims wounded in the attacks.
Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jimale (Madaale), and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bulaale, paid visits to several hospitals overnight to meet with victims.
Residents are grappling with the emotional weight of the tragedy, as they come together to support the victims and their families. Hospitals in the city are appealing for blood donations due to the high number of injured individuals. Concerned individuals have gathered at the gate of Digfer Hospital (Erdogan Hospital) in Mogadishu, where a person reads the names of the wounded over a loudspeaker.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida affiliate in East Africa, has claimed responsibility for the attack through its radio station. However, there has been no official statement from the Federal Government of Somalia yet.
Puntland President Saed Abdullahi Deni expressed his condolences, stating, "We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in tonight's attack by terrorists on people who were spending the evening at Liido Beach in Mogadishu city. The heinous attack tonight in Mogadishu targeting innocent people shows how terrorists are massacring our people. We pray to Allah to grant paradise to those who died and heal those who were injured. Aamiin."
Puntland President Saed Abdullahi Deni expressed his condolences, stating, "We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in tonight's attack by terrorists on people who were spending the evening at Liido Beach in Mogadishu city. The heinous attack tonight in Mogadishu targeting innocent people shows how terrorists are massacring our people. We pray to Allah to grant paradise to those who died and heal those who were injured. Aamiin."
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire sent his "deepest condolences to the families, relatives, and friends" of those killed in a post on X.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also expressed his condemnation of the attack. "Appalled to learn of the horrific terror attack that targeted civilians at Liido Beach in Mogadishu, which I condemn in the strongest terms. My deepest condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this callous attack, and in continued solidarity with the people and federal government of Somalia in their fight against the scourge of terrorism."
Correction: Our previous report on the al-Shabaab attack at Liido Beach in Mogadishu stated that 15 people were killed and over 100 injured. Updated information from Somali police now indicates the death toll is 32, with 63 injured. We regret any confusion caused by the initial report.
A photo collage showing some of the victims of the deadly al-Shabaab attack at Liido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Friday evening. The assault, which began with a suicide bomber detonating an explosive vest at the Beach View Hotel, resulted in 15 deaths and over 100 injuries. These individuals were among those who tragically lost their lives in the attack. (Photo credit: Hussein Mohamed, Freelance Journalist)