Several people were killed when a car bomb exploded outside a popular café packed with football fans in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.
The bomb went off at 22:28 local time on Sunday night at Top Coffee, where patrons were watching the Euro 2024 football final between Spain and England. Initial reports indicated at least five fatalities and 20 injuries, but security sources later told newsmen that the death toll had risen to nine.
The jihadist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the café, filled to capacity with some patrons seated outside, was engulfed in the explosion, causing people to scramble for safety.
“We heard a loud, horrifying explosion during the first half of the game that we were watching. Everyone had to figure out how to save themselves,” recounted survivor Mohamed Muse. “I saw people in danger, injured people screaming for help, and others confused – it was terrifying,” he added.
The blast also destroyed several cars and damaged nearby buildings. Al-Shabab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, reportedly targeted the café because it is frequented by security and government workers. The area is near Villa Somalia, the official presidential residence.
Al-Shabab has a history of carrying out bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia over the past 17 years. However, there has been a recent lull in attacks amid a continuing offensive by Somali forces.
