Carnage at Mogadishu Liido Beach: Al-Shabaab Attack Claims Scores of Lives

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 03 August 2024 08:04

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Carnage at Mogadishu Liido Beach: Al-Shabaab Attack Claims Scores of Lives

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - More than 20 people have been killed and close to 100 others injured after suicide bombers attacked Liido Beach restaurants in Mogadishu, where hundreds of beachgoers were enjoying their weekend leisure.

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Survivors and police sources say at least three explosions hit the front gate of the Liido Beach restaurant before several gunmen on foot stormed the area.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - More than 20 people have been killed and close to 100 others injured after suicide bombers attacked Liido Beach restaurants in Mogadishu, where hundreds of beachgoers were enjoying their weekend leisure.

Survivors and police sources say at least three explosions hit the front gate of the Liido Beach restaurant before several gunmen on foot stormed the area. The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We were sitting on the beach when the first explosion happened. We suddenly ran towards safety, but gunshots followed. It was chaos and mayhem," said one survivor, Hamdi. "I survived, thank God, despite some bruises on my knees. There was a young man in front of me who was shot dead by a gunman," she added. She noted that the gunmen were wearing government army uniforms.

Another survivor named Mohamed said he came with his friend to record a vlog, but the attack began as they entered the beach. Both fled and survived. "I am lucky to be safe. Both my friend and I survived. I saw more than 10 dead bodies near the beach where many people were sitting and having fun," Mohamed added.

Lifeless bodies were scattered across the beach as concerned people, looking for their loved ones, rushed to the hospitals. On Saturday morning, social media was awash with condolences and photos of young men and women who were victims of the attack.

Police said they suspect an explosive-laden car is still in the area. A Mogadishu police source said the security forces ended the attack by killing five attackers.

The Somali-Sudanese Hospital, one of the main hospitals in the city, made an appeal for blood donations, saying many of the injured brought to the facility were in critical condition.

The Somali government has not yet commented on this deadly attack, which is the second in a month. The Liido Beach restaurants are popular destinations for young beachgoers in the Somali capital.

(An update will follow as this is a developing story.)