Terrorism - Bombs exploded in Mogadishu during the EM Final
During the transfer of the EM-Finals, an car bomb exploded in front of a café in the Somalian capital Mogadishu. At least eleven people were killed, dozens of visitors of the popular local were injured according to a police spokesperson. Panic broke out in the café. Among the dead were also five people who were passing by when the car in front of it exploded, it was further reported.
A police spokesperson told the German Press Agency, it is still unclear if there was a suicide bomber in the vehicle and if additionally armed attackers were involved. The number of dead and injured could still increase, investigators fear. The force of the explosion damaged nearby buildings heavily.
The targeted local is popular among government officials. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
The attack reminds of the terror attack by the radical islamic militia Al-Shabaab during the Football World Championship 2010. The Somalian terror group had detonated bombs in a local in Kampala, Uganda, where several hundred people were watching the WM-Final. Seventy-four people were killed then.
Al-Shabaab considers football as "haram" (unclean) and had attempted an attack during a football tournament in Mogadishu at the stadium a few months ago.
- Despite the increased security measures, Al-Shabaab, known for its opposition to soccer in Somalia, has shown its presence yet again, as they were suspected to be behind the automatic gunfire that followed the car bomb explosion in Mogadishu's popular soccer cafe.
- Reacting to the recent terror attack in Mogadishu, the local soccer federation announced the postponement of all upcoming matches, citing concerns for the safety of players and fans in light of the ongoing threat of terrorism andAutobombs in the city.
- To combat terrorism in Somalia, international aid organizations and local authorities have partnered to launch soccer initiatives as a means of keeping young people engaged and away from radical groups like Al-Shabaab, which has historically targeted soccer venues and events in the country.
