In one of the deadliest recent strikes in Somalia, an Al-Shabaab suicide bomber and gunmen attacked a busy beach in Mogadishu, killing 37 people and wounding many more. The assault on Lido beach, a popular area frequented by business people and government officials, began late Friday when a suicide bomber detonated a device, followed by gunmen storming the beach.
“The overall number of the dead people we confirmed is 37,” said Somali Health Minister Ali Haji Adam on Saturday. Eleven people are in intensive care, 64 remain hospitalized with wounds, and 137 have been discharged after receiving treatment.
Survivors described the horrific scene. “As we were enjoying our time on the beach, a suicide bomber blew himself up among crowds of people,” Omar Elmi told AFP. “Then we could see many people scattered on the ground, including dead, injured, as well as shocked people.”
Security forces ended the attack by killing five gunmen, while a sixth bomber blew himself up on the beach. “Members of the group had shot civilians randomly,” Officer Mohamed Omar told AFP.
Police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan emphasized that the attack targeted not only government officials but also ordinary civilians. “This attack demonstrates that the group is not only targeting government officials and soldiers but also ordinary civilians,” he said.
Witnesses shared their grief and shock. “The devastation is immense and there is blood and severed pieces of human flesh strewn in the scene,” said Hawo Mohamed, who lost seven acquaintances in the attack.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced an emergency meeting with key security officials. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned the attack as a “barbaric atrocity fundamentally contradictory to the cherished values of our religion and culture.”
International figures, including UN chief Antonio Guterres and African Union’s Moussa Faki Mahamat, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Somalia.
Local hospitals have appealed for blood donations to help the influx of wounded victims. “I am donating my blood to help those who are in desperate need,” said Mahad Abdiaziz Ibrahim, waiting in a long queue to donate blood.
