Car Bomb Kills Five in Mogadishu During Euro 2024 Football Final

In Summary

• A car bomb exploded outside a restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia, killing five and injuring 20 during the Euro 2024 football final.
• The explosion destroyed 10 cars and damaged nearby buildings in a well-guarded area near the Presidential Palace.
• Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack, targeting a location frequented by security and government workers.

Mogadishu, Somalia - A car bomb detonated outside a popular restaurant in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on Sunday night, killing five people and injuring 20 others as patrons watched the Euro 2024 football tournament final on television. Police have attributed the attack to Islamist insurgents from the Al Shabaab militant group.

The explosion occurred in the Bondhere district, a well-guarded area near the Presidential Palace. The blast destroyed 10 cars and caused significant damage to several nearby buildings, according to a Reuters reporter on the scene. The powerful explosion sent shockwaves through the area, leaving a scene of devastation and chaos.

Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack through an affiliated radio station, stating that the bombing targeted a location where security and government workers often meet at night. The group, which once controlled much of Somalia, has been waging an insurgency for years in an attempt to impose its strict interpretation of Islam on the country.

"The explosion targeted a place where security and government workers gather at night," Al Shabaab's statement said. The insurgents have repeatedly launched deadly attacks in Mogadishu and other regions controlled by the federal government over the past two years, despite losing significant territory to government forces and their allies.

The attack is part of a series of violent incidents perpetrated by Al Shabaab, which continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia's stability. The group frequently carries out bombings and raids, aiming to undermine the federal government and instill fear among the populace.

In the aftermath of the bombing, emergency responders and security forces quickly arrived at the scene to assist the injured and secure the area. The wounded were transported to local hospitals for treatment, and authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

The explosion has drawn condemnation from both local and international communities, highlighting the ongoing challenges Somalia faces in its fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain peace and security. As the nation mourns the loss of life, the government remains committed to combating the insurgency and restoring stability to the region.

This latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Al Shabaab and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among security forces to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of Somali citizens.