Tragic Night at Lido Beach

On Friday evening, an attack at a beach hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulted in the deaths of 32 people and left 63 others wounded. The assault, carried out by al-Shabab, the East African affiliate of al-Qaida, targeted Lido Beach, a popular area bustling with activity as locals enjoyed their weekend.

The Attack Unfolds

Police spokesperson Maj. Abdifatah Adan Hassan reported that the attack began with an explosion followed by gunfire. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror. One witness, Mohamud Moalim, recounted seeing an attacker wearing an explosive vest before the man detonated himself near the beach-view hotel. Moalim lost several friends in the explosion, while others were injured.

Abdisalam Adam, another witness, described the harrowing scene to the Associated Press. He saw many people lying on the ground and assisted in transporting some of the wounded to the hospital. The attack claimed the life of one soldier, with another injured, while the rest of the victims were civilians.

A History of Violence

The Lido Beach area has previously been a target for al-Shabab militants. Last year, a similar attack in the same location resulted in nine deaths. The group, which still controls parts of southern and central Somalia, frequently conducts attacks in Mogadishu and other regions. They finance their operations by extorting millions of dollars from residents and businesses, driven by their goal to establish an Islamic state.

Concurrent Attacks and Ongoing Conflict

In a separate incident on Saturday, a roadside bomb claimed the lives of seven people when a passenger vehicle hit the explosive about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Mogadishu. This attack further underscores the volatile security situation in the country.

Government and International Response

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared a “total war” on al-Shabab militants, emphasizing the government’s commitment to taking control of the nation’s security. The attack on Lido Beach occurred shortly after Somalia initiated the third phase of the drawdown of peacekeeping troops under the African Union Transition Mission.

James Swan, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, expressed his support and solidarity with Somalia in its ongoing efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability. He condemned the attack on Lido Beach, highlighting that the area is frequented by families and that targeting such a location is a reprehensible act.

Moving Forward

The Somali government, with the support of international partners, continues to strive for stability in the face of ongoing threats from militant groups. The tragic events at Lido Beach serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting peace in Somalia.