Monday July 15, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — A bombing at a crowded restaurant in Mogadishu's Boondheere district killed five civilians and injured 20 others on Sunday night, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent months. The explosion, which occurred when a vehicle filled with explosives was parked outside Top Coffee as patrons watched the Euro final match between Spain and England, was carried out by Al-Shabaab, according to Somali police.
The restaurant was packed with young people watching the soccer game. Photos from the scene showed flames, smoke, and parts of the restaurant in ruins. The explosion caused significant property damage, primarily to vehicles belonging to the patrons, police reported.
"It was a terrifying situation; everyone was trying to save themselves," said an eyewitness who spoke to the BBC.
Top Coffee is located in a highly secured area near key government buildings, including the Presidential Palace, Parliament, and the National Intelligence headquarters. Security checkpoints are stationed on all roads leading to the area.
Mohamed Muse Tarsan, a journalist based in Mogadishu and a witness at the restaurant before the explosion, described the chaos that ensued to the BBC Somali Service. "As we were watching the first half of the game, we suddenly heard a loud, terrifying explosion. Moments of panic followed, with everyone trying to find a way to survive," he said.
Tarzan noted that the restaurant had only one entrance, which was blocked by flames, forcing people to climb over a two-meter-high wall to escape. "People were crushing each other to be the first to get out," he added.
The main damage occurred in the part of the restaurant adjacent to the main road, where numerous vehicles were parked. Eyewitnesses indicated that the casualty count might be higher than reported, but exact numbers could not be confirmed.
The injured are being treated at hospitals in Mogadishu. The bombing is one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent months. No group has officially claimed responsibility, but authorities suspect the militant group Al-Shabaab. The group regularly targets government and civilian sites throughout the country in an effort to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed federal government.