Mogadishu attack: 20 killed as Al-Shabaab gunmen storm Somalia beachfront restaurant
The militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack at Lido beach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At least 20 people have died in a terrorist attack in Somalia. A siege at a beachfront restaurant in the capital Mogadishu ended this morning after more than eight hours.
Islamic extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The security forces took control of the restaurant just before dawn, said Captain Mohamed Hussein, speaking from the scene of the attack in Mogadishu.
It was not clear whether Hussein's report of more than 20 killed included the assailants. Members of al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack in a broadcast on its online radio late on Thursday.
"I was intending to go out but suddenly we heard a heavy explosion followed by gunfire. ... I saw a militant fighter shooting indiscriminately on everybody. Then I locked myself inside a room until we were evacuated peacefully by the security forces," said Abdulkadir Mohamed Somow, who had been trapped inside the restaurant.
Blasts and bursts of gunfire could be heard as Somali special forces went from room to room pursuing the al-Shabaab gunmen who were holed up inside the restaurant.
Hussein, the police official, said the security forces rescued many people who had been trapped inside the restaurant's hall, where a party was taking place when the attack started on Thursday.
An eye witness told The BBC that a wedding ceremony was taking place in the hall of the restaurant when the attack happened.
Witnesses said that gunmen entered the restaurant from the direction of the beach. They shouted "Allahu akbar," the Arabic phrase for "God is great," as they attacked.
"They randomly fired at people sitting near the beach before entering the restaurant,”" said witness Ahmed Nur, who was strolling along the shoreline when the attack happened.
Al-Shabaab attacked Kenyan peacekeepers in southwestern Somalia last week.
The al-Qaeda-linked group said it had killed about 100 Kenyans and seized weapons and military vehicles.
The Kenyan government has given no death toll, but said there were some fatalities.
Despite being pushed out of Somalia's major cities and towns, al-Shabaab continues to launch deadly guerrilla attacks across the Horn of Africa country.
African Union troops, government officials and foreigners are frequently targeted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments