At least 32 killed in al-Shabab beach attack in Somalia’s capital

People carry the dead body of an unidentified woman killed in an explosion that occurred while people were swimming at the Lido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia. (Photo/Feisal Omar/Reuters)

At least 32 people have been killed and scores wounded following a suicide bombing and gun attack at a popular beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu, police said.

"More than 32 civilians died in this attack, and about 63 others were wounded, some of them critically," police spokesman Abdifatah Adan Hassan told reporters, increasing the initial death toll from seven.

The explosion occurred on Mogadishu's popular Lido beach on Friday, followed by gunfire.

Police official Ahmed Abdi told Anadolu Agency over the phone that officers from law enforcement and various security agencies rushed to the beach, which also houses several hotels.

The attack took place there, and the main road leading to the blast site has been sealed, he added.

Somalia's Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire posted on X: "I send my deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who were martyred in these explosions."

"The fact that the terrorist attack coincides with this night when the beach is the most congested shows the hostility of the terrorists to the Somali people."

Al-Shabab claim attack

"Swift action by security forces neutralised the attackers, while medical teams are attending to the victims on the scene," Somali National News Agency reported.

Somali National Television gave the same information, including providing no further details about casualties.

The attack site is frequented by civilians, security officials, and businesspeople.

The Al Qaeda-linked terror group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack in the Horn of Africa country.

The Liido beach area — home to upmarket hotels and eateries — is popular with business people and government officials and has been the scene of previous attacks.

Several local media reports reported a blast caused by a suicide bomber followed by gunfire leaving multiple casualties, but the information could not be verified.

Al-Shabab group has carried out numerous bombings and attacks in Mogadishu and other parts of the country.

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Source: TRT