Islamists attacked a hotel and the popular Lido beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu. More than 30 people were killed, including the five terrorists. Dozens were injured. The terrorist militia Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.
The gun battle between the attackers and the police continued until early Saturday morning. “I was wounded in the arm by an artillery shell,” said Shamso Abdi, who had spent the evening with friends at the Lido Beach Hotel. One of her friends suffered a head injury and is in critical condition. Panic broke out in the hotel. “Everyone was running for their lives.”
Horrible images on social networks
Gruesome images are circulating on social media: people fleeing the beach in panic, others lying bleeding and screaming on the sand, according to images and videos from eyewitnesses. Shots can be heard in the background. Rescue teams were initially unable to reach the wounded as the shooting continued.
Terrorists wanted to storm the hotel
A suicide bomber blew himself up at the hotel entrance on Friday night. The remaining attackers tried to storm the hotel, but also shot at people on the beach, where many residents were walking or sitting on the sand with friends or family members at the time of the attack.
Call for blood donation
Hospitals called for blood donations to help treat the many wounded. After years of routine violence and attacks, the ability to use the beach again was seen as a sign of normalization in the crisis-ridden Horn of Africa country.
The terrorist militia Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack
The terrorist militia Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack on its own radio station. The Islamists control areas in parts of Somalia but have been driven out of the capital in recent years. Nevertheless, attacks continue in Mogadishu on government buildings and on hotels and restaurants that, from the Islamists’ perspective, represent a Western lifestyle.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
