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Saturday, August 3, 2024
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Somali leaders and the international community have strongly condemned a suicide attack by Al-Shabaab on a popular restaurant in Mogadishu. Mogadishu Lido Beach The explosion on Friday night killed at least 32 people and injured 63.
President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre convened an emergency meeting of security agencies and questioned officials about the attack.
President Mohamed and Prime Minister Barre expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. President Mohamed said: “The terrorist attack on the coast of Lido shows the brutality of the Khawarij terrorists and their intention to destroy the civilian population of Somalia.”
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also expressed their condolences to the people and called on them to unite and defend the country from terrorist groups, especially Al-Shabaab militants.
The European Union and the United Nations Office in Somalia strongly condemned the terrorist attack. The EU said: “The brutal attack on civilians on Lido Beach once again highlights the barbaric behavior of Al-Shabaab against its fellow citizens.” The EU reaffirmed its solidarity with the Government and people of Somalia and reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia in the fight against terrorism.
“Lido Beach is a popular spot for Somalis to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of Somalia’s coastline. Targeting this location is a despicable act and should be condemned in the strongest terms,” said James Swan, Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia.
He reiterated the United Nations’ support for the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to ensure peace, security and stability.
Also condemning the attack, Dr. Workne Gbeyehu, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), said: “We condemn this barbaric act of terror in the strongest possible terms. This cowardly attack will not shake the resolve of the Somali Government, its resilient people, or the entire region. On the contrary, it will strengthen our collective resolve to rebuild Somalia and eliminate the scourge of terrorism.”
The attack began on Friday night when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at the Beach View Hotel before gunmen stormed inside.
“The security forces eliminated all terrorists behind this cowardly attack. The attack and killing of 32 civilians shows that these Kharijites will not only target government centers, soldiers and officials,” declared Major Abdifatah Adan Hassan, spokesman for the Somali Police Force.
Banadir State Governor and Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimal (Madal) and Deputy Health Minister Dr. Mohamed Hassan Bullal visited several hospitals overnight to see the victims, and local hospitals called on people to donate blood.
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