Monday July 15, 2024
Mogadishu has been repeatedly targeted by al-Shabab militants. Photo: Others
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for Sunday's suicide attack on a café in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, which killed nine people and wounded 20 others.
The militant group stated through its media wing that it targeted a location near Villa Somalia where government officials and intelligence officers were present.
But the Somali police confirmed that the suicide car bombing occurred outside Top Coffee as patrons were watching the Euro final match between Spain and England. The explosion caused significant property damage, primarily to vehicles belonging to the patrons.
Mohamed Yusuf, an official from the national security agency, stated that nine civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in the explosion. "There were many people inside the restaurant, most of them youth who were watching the football match... but thanks to God, most of them made their way out safely after using ladders to climb up and jump over the backside perimeter wall," he said.
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.
While the group claimed to have killed government officials and intelligence officers, police and eyewitnesses confirmed that no government officials or security personnel were among those killed in the attack.