Vehicle explosion murders nine in East African nation
Date
7/23/2024 8:06:03 AM
(MENAFN) A tragic car bomb explosion outside a bustling cafe in Mogadishu, Somalia, has resulted in the deaths of nine individuals. The incident took place at 10:28 PM local time on Sunday, as patrons at Top Coffee were watching the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England. The blast caused widespread devastation, leaving 20 others injured, according to Mohamed Yusuf, an official from the national security agency.
Police officer Mohamed Salad reported that several bodies were discovered under debris in the aftermath of the explosion. He stated that five victims were found outside the cafe, including motorists who were passing by at the time. Four additional fatalities were reported inside the restaurant, with some victims being extricated from beneath the rubble. By Monday, the number of confirmed deaths had risen to nine.
The militant group Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack through an affiliated radio station, asserting that the bomb targeted a location frequented by security and government personnel during the night. Although the African Union peacekeeping force had expelled Al Shabaab from the capital in 2011, the group continues to exert control over large areas in southern and central Somalia. It remains active, frequently launching bombings and gun attacks on both civilians and military targets.
This latest attack echoes the violence witnessed in October 2022, when twin car bombings in Mogadishu resulted in over 100 deaths and 300 injuries. This assault occurred shortly after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's initiation of a major counter-insurgency campaign, during which he vowed to wage an "all-out war" against jihadist factions upon taking office in May 2022.
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