Mogadishu Beach Hotel Attack: 32 Dead, 63 Wounded in Al-Shabab Assault

A devastating attack on a beach hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, claimed 32 lives and injured 63 others. Al-Qaida's East Africa affiliate, al-Shabab, took responsibility for the attack. The incident occurred at Lido Beach, a popular spot in the capital, and has previously been targeted by militants.

Police in Somalia confirmed Saturday that 32 people lost their lives and 63 others sustained injuries in an attack on a beach hotel in Mogadishu on Friday night.

According to al-Qaida's East Africa affiliate, al-Shabab, whose fighters carried out the attack, the assault involved an explosion followed by gunfire. Witnesses recounted moments of terror as an attacker detonated an explosive vest next to the beach-view hotel.

The incident, which took place at Lido Beach—a thriving weekend spot for residents—marks another chapter in the ongoing conflict with al-Shabab militants. The militant group continues its operations despite sustained efforts by Somali authorities, including a “total war” declaration by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last year.