The European Union Commission has strongly condemned Friday night’s terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, which reportedly claimed 32 lives.
According to statement released by Commission on Saturday stating that this brutal attack at Lido Beach against civilians underlines yet again Al Shabaab’s barbarity towards their own compatriots.
The EU extended its deepest condolences to families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured while stood in solidarity with the Govt of Somalia and the Somali people, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism in all its forms.
Meanwhile, at least 32 people were reportedly killed and 63 others were wounded in an attack that included a suicide bombing and gunfire in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, according to police.
The assault, which began late Friday, took place near a hotel on Lido Beach, a popular hangout spot for Mogadishu residents.
The police spokesperson said one soldier died and the rest of the deceased and injured were civilians.
Islamic extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the Friday attack while three insurgents died in a gunfight with law enforcement as one was captured alive, according to police.
The country has been inundated with attacks by al-Shabab for several years. Just last month, al-Shabab militants attempted to overrun army bases in southern Somalia, leading to a bloody clash between the group and Somali forces, Reuters reported.
On Saturday, the Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other senior federal authorities gathered to discuss strategies for improving the capital’s security, according to state media.
“The government is determined to eliminate this bloody group,” Mohamud said, adding that Govt officials also traveled to local hospitals to meet with the victims, state media reported.
According to the National Counterterrorism Center, the goal of al-Shabab is to overthrow the Somali federal government and drive out foreign forces in the country. also linked the group to al-Qaida, to establish fundamentalist Islamic state.
