At least 37 people were killed and hundreds injured in a brutal attack by al-Shabab militants at a beachfront hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia on August 2, 2024. The assault lasted four hours and some reports suggest a death toll of 37 due to the intensity and turmoil of the event.
A suicide bomber initiated the attack, detonating an explosive device at the hotel’s entrance. Gunmen then opened fire on Lido Beach, a popular spot for weekend relaxation. Witness Mohamud Moalim saw a man with an explosive vest moments before he set it off near the beachfront hotel. Moalim lost several friends in the attack, with many others sustaining injuries.
Abdisalam Adam, another witness, recounted the attack’s immediate aftermath, describing numerous people on the ground. Adam helped transport some of the wounded to nearby medical facilities. The assault turned a bustling Friday evening into a scene of devastation and panic.
In response to the attack, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held emergency meetings with security officials. Several security personnel were arrested for negligence, and a ministerial committee was established to coordinate emergency responses. “The government is determined to eliminate the terrorists,” said President Mohamud, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities.
Al-Shabab, an affiliate of al-Qaida, continues to pose a significant threat in Somalia, maintaining control in parts of the southern and central regions. The group has previously targeted Lido Beach, including an attack that resulted in nine fatalities. Despite losing territory to Somali forces and their allies, al-Shabab remains capable of carrying out large-scale attacks.
The global community condemned the attack, with James Swan, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, branding the assault an “abhorrent act” and reaffirming support for Somalia’s peace and stability efforts. Regional leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, also denounced the attack, stressing the need for unified efforts against terrorism.
On the same day, another incident saw a roadside bomb kill seven people and injure four others 25 miles from Mogadishu, underscoring the unstable security situation in Somalia and the challenges the government faces in combating al-Shabab.
The Lido Beach attack’s human toll is substantial, with survivors grappling with the trauma of the violence. Survivor Hassan Farah was having coffee and chatting with friends when he noticed a large man running. Moments later, a bright flash was followed by a massive explosion. Smoke filled the area, and numerous people lay on the ground, bleeding and crying.
Efforts to stabilize Somalia continue, with President Mohamud’s administration focusing on military campaigns against al-Shabab, as well as initiatives to reinforce governance and economic development. The support of the international community remains essential as Somalia strives for lasting peace and security.
