SOMALIA: In a tragic incident on Sunday, a car bomb explosion at a tea shop in Mogadishu, Somalia, killed at least five people and injured 20 others. Local police reported that the attack occurred in the Bondhere district, where football fans had gathered to watch the finals of the European Championship.
According to police statements, a vehicle filled with explosives detonated, causing devastation inside the crowded tea shop. Although the official death toll was initially reported as five, some witnesses claimed that more than ten people lost their lives in the attack, which took place at around 10:30 p.m. local time (1930 GMT).
Security sources later informed the AFP news agency that the death toll had risen to nine. The jihadist group al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and panic as the bomb exploded. "We heard a loud, horrifying explosion during the first half of the game we were watching. Everyone had to figure out how to save themselves," Mohamed Muse, a survivor, told the BBC. "I saw people in danger, injured people screaming for help, and others confused - it was terrifying," he added.
The explosion not only caused casualties but also destroyed several cars and damaged nearby buildings. Al-Shabab stated that their target was a location where security and government workers typically meet at night. The attack occurred close to Villa Somalia, the official residence of the Somali president.
Over the past 17 years, al-Shabab has carried out numerous bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia. However, there had been a relative lull in such attacks in recent months due to ongoing offensives by Somali security forces against the group, which still controls significant portions of the country.
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