In a devastating attack on a beachside hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, coordinated suicide bombings and gunfire have killed at least 32 people and injured 63 others.
The attack, perpetrated by al-Shabab militants, occurred on Saturday evening, local authorities confirmed.
Somali Police Spokesperson Abdifatah Adan reported that security forces neutralized five terrorists and a suicide bomber during the attack.
The security team successfully evacuated civilians trapped inside the hotel and defused a car loaded with explosives found in the vicinity.
Ongoing investigations and monitoring are in progress, according to the police.
In response to the attack, Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the violence, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in this heinous act,” PM Khaire stated on social media platform X.
He further criticized the timing of the attack, noting that it targeted a crowded beach area during peak hours.
“The terrorists’ choice to strike during a busy night reflects their deep-seated hostility towards the Somali people,” PM Khaire added.
The Prime Minister also called for heightened vigilance and cooperation among national forces and the public to thwart future attacks.
Al-Shabab, the insurgent group responsible for the assault, confirmed their involvement through their official radio channel.
The group, which emerged in the early 2000s, has a history of targeting Mogadishu.
This attack follows a similar one in October 2022, when twin vehicle bombs claimed over 100 lives near a bustling area of the city.
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