Friday July 2, 2021
Feisal Omar, Reuters | An aerial view shows the downtown of Mogadishu, Somalia, February 14, 2018.
Mogadishu (HOL) - According to officials and witnesses, at least ten people have been killed and a dozen others seriously wounded on Friday after a suicide bomber struck at a crowded cafe close to the Hotel Jubba Mogadishu.
In a press statement released on Friday, the Somali government said that the militant extremist insurgent group Al-Shabaab is responsible for the attack, which occurred close to heavily guarded government institutions, including the NISA headquarters.
"Once again, Al-Shabaab has proven that their violence has no bounds and will kill indiscriminately. Al-Shabaab only strives to use pain, destruction and chaos. These ideals have no place in a free Somalia."
The federal government said that a lone suicide bomber carried out the attack.
"A suicide bomber wearing a vest detonated the device near the Juba Hotel, killing at least ten people with dozens injured. The attack occurred during a busy hour where the victims were enjoying a local tea shop."
According to local witnesses, the attack occurred roughly at 5:30 PM, and the cafe was crowded at the time.
Security and health officials worry that the death toll could rise as victims pour into a local hospital.
The Somali government said that it is carrying out a more detailed investigation through the SNA and Danab.
Somalia's PM, Mohamed Hussein Roble condemned the attack and vowed on Facebook to crush Al-Shabaab.