A number of individuals have been killed after a automobile bomb exploded exterior a preferred cafe filled with soccer followers within the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
The bomb went off on Sunday night time at 22:28 native time as patrons at High Espresso have been watching the Euro 2024 soccer remaining between Spain and England.
Police mentioned at the least 5 have been killed within the explosion and 20 extra injured. Safety sources later informed the AFP information company the dying toll had risen to 9.
Jihadist group al-Shabab mentioned it carried out the assault.
The restaurant had been full, with some on the pavement exterior because the bomb went off, sending individuals scrambling for security, witnesses mentioned.
“We heard a loud, horrifying explosion through the first half of the sport that we have been watching. Everybody had to determine learn how to save themselves,” one of many survivors, Mohamed Muse, informed the BBC.
“I noticed individuals at risk, injured individuals screaming for assist, and others confused – it was terrifying,” he added.
One other witness informed the AFP information company that some individuals within the cafe have been capable of escape by clambering up ladders on the again and leaping out over the wall.
Sunday’s explosion additionally destroyed a variety of automobiles and broken a number of buildings.
Al-Shabab, a part of the al-Qaeda group, reportedly mentioned it was focusing on a spot the place safety and authorities staff meet at night time.
The realm is near Villa Somalia, the official presidential residence.
The jihadist group has carried out quite a few bombings within the metropolis and different components of Somalia during the last 17 years.
Nonetheless, there has has been a lull in latest months amid a seamless offensive by Somali safety forces in opposition to the group, which nonetheless controls massive components of the nation.
