July 14th 2024.
Tragedy struck the bustling streets of Mogadishu on Sunday as a bombing outside a popular café claimed the lives of at least five people. According to police, the attack also left 20 others injured. The café was reportedly screening the much-anticipated European soccer final between Spain and England when a car packed with explosives detonated outside. Maj. Abdifitah Aden Hassa, the spokesperson for Somali police, stated that some of the spectators were caught in the blast while others sustained injuries while trying to flee the chaos.
As news of the bombing spread, people took to social media to share pictures and videos from the scene. The images showed a raging fire outside the café, a stark reminder of the terror and destruction caused by the attack. Ismail Adan, a witness, described the scene as chaotic, with people trying to escape the danger by climbing over the café's perimeter wall. Most of the victims were on the street at the time of the explosion, further emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the attack.
At this point, it is unclear who is responsible for this heinous act. However, it is not uncommon for the Islamic militant group al-Shabab to carry out such attacks in Somalia, including in the capital city of Mogadishu. The group is known for its opposition to the country's federal government and has been a constant threat, often targeting innocent civilians. Despite the government's efforts to combat their terrorist activities, al-Shabab continues to wreak havoc in the country, with its deadly attacks gaining global attention.
The recent bombing in Mogadishu is a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the country. In recent months, the capital had experienced a period of relative calm, giving residents a much-needed break from the constant threat of violence. However, this calm was shattered on Saturday when inmates at a Mogadishu prison attempted a jailbreak. In the ensuing chaos, at least eight people were killed as prisoners, convicted for their involvement in al-Shabab attacks, engaged in a shootout with prison guards.
Understandably, the Somali government has launched a massive offensive against the extremist group, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declaring a "total war" against them. However, this is not the first time Somalia has seen such violence. In fact, the US has labeled al-Shabab as one of al-Qaida's deadliest organizations, and their continued attacks have drawn the attention of the world. As the country mourns the lives lost in this senseless act of terror, the fight against al-Shabab continues, and the hope for lasting peace in Somalia remains a distant dream.
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