Tragedy struck in Somalia as a devastating explosion at a popular restaurant claimed the lives of nine civilians and left 20 others injured. The official toll was initially reported as five, but later revised upwards by Mohamed Yusuf, an official from the national security agency.
The explosion occurred during a football match viewing at the restaurant, with many young people inside. Fortunately, most of them managed to escape using ladders and by climbing over the backside perimeter wall to safety.
Images of a massive fireball and plumes of smoke engulfing the night sky were shared online following the blast. Police officer Mohamed Salad reported finding several bodies under the debris.
Although no group claimed responsibility, the state-run Somali National News Agency attributed the attack to Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda linked extremist group known for its insurgency in Somalia for over 17 years.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this tragic time.