A deadly explosion rocked a cafe in downtown Mogadishu during the Euro 2024 final, causing at least five deaths and injuring 20 people. Preliminary reports suggested a car parked outside the cafe had exploded, with the area near the presidential palace being busy at the time. Al-Shabab, a powerful extremist group in Somalia, has not claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Key Takeaways:
The blast caused massive damage in the vicinity and police suspect a car bomb was involved. Al-Shabab has a history of attacking public gatherings during sporting events, opposing them on religious grounds. The group has been active in Somalia for 17 years, with recent attacks demonstrating their continued strength in the region.
Recent Escalation:
The attack follows an attempted jailbreak by Al-Shabab fighters in the capital, resulting in multiple deaths. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to combat the militants, with international support. However, concerns remain about Somalia’s ability to maintain security post-African Union troop withdrawal.