Several people were killed and many others wounded in an attack on Lido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, a popular seaside spot frequented by locals on weekends. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces responded quickly, killing five attackers while a sixth detonated an explosive device. The attack took place when the beach was crowded, with witnesses reporting seeing an attacker wearing an explosive vest. The area has been targeted by al-Shabab fighters in the past.
Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire offered his condolences to the families of the victims, highlighting the hostility of the terrorists towards the Somali people. Al-Shabab has been fighting the central government in Mogadishu for over 17 years, carrying out frequent bombings and attacks. The government relies on foreign troops and local armed groups, supported by African Union forces and US air strikes, to combat al-Shabab. However, the group has claimed to have taken control of multiple locations in the country.
In response to escalating violence, Somalia has requested a slowdown in the withdrawal of the African peacekeeping mission, ATMIS, scheduled to leave by December 31. The recent attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in Somalia, despite efforts to combat the group and maintain stability in the region.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com