- Terrorist attack on the beach in Mogadishu
Islamists have attacked a hotel and the popular Lido Beach in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. According to a police spokesman, at least 14 people were killed. More than 30 people were injured, but the number of casualties is expected to rise. Security forces were still fighting the attackers after midnight (local time). The Al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.
"I was injured in the arm by an artillery shell," said Shamso Abdi, who was spending the evening at the Lido Beach Hotel with friends. One of her friends suffered head injuries and was in critical condition. There was panic in the hotel, she told the German Press Agency. "Everyone was running for their lives."
Chaotic situation
Horror images were circulating on social media: people fleeing the beach in panic, others lying bleeding and screaming in the sand, as shown in photos and videos from eyewitnesses. Shots can be heard in the background. Rescue teams could not reach the injured because shooting was still ongoing.
The attack is still ongoing, a police spokesman told the German Press Agency. The situation is currently chaotic. In addition to shots, explosions can also be heard. A beach hotel was also the target of the attack.
Hospitals called for blood donations to care for the many injured. Some relatives of deceased beach and hotel visitors posted pictures of their loved ones on social media, while others desperately sought information about the fate of friends or relatives, whose fate they did not know.
Terrorist group claims attack
The Lido Beach is a popular destination for Mogadishu residents, especially on weekends. According to police reports, the shooting followed an explosion caused by a suicide bomber.
The Al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack on its radio station. The Islamists control areas in parts of Somalia, but have been pushed back from the capital in recent years.
Nevertheless, there are still attacks on government institutions and hotels or restaurants where the Islamists see a Western lifestyle. In July, 11 people died in a terrorist attack on a restaurant during the UEFA Euro 2020 final.
The German Press Agency reported that the police spokesman mentioned a chaotic situation, with shots and explosions still ongoing, following the terror attack claimed by The Commission, referred to as Al-Shabaab. Due to the ongoing conflict, hospitals urged for blood donations to treat the numerous injured.
