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Article Body TextWASHINGTON — <p>At least eight people were killed and 28 others were injured after al-Shabab militants attacked a crowded beachfront area in Mogadishu, Somalia, Friday night, according to Dr. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Aden, the head of Aamin Ambulance service, which operates in Mogadishu.</p> <p>The attack started just before 10 p.m. local time with an explosion by a suicide bomber at the crowded beach as beachgoers were on a late weekend night out.</p> <p>Purported video clips published by local media sites showed many people lying on the beach, some seemingly dead, others badly injured.</p> <p>After the first explosion went off, five al-Shabaab gunmen stormed a beachfront dining and entertainment building.</p> <p>In addition to the civilians killed, all five attackers were shot dead by security forces, state media reported.</p> <p>A sixth militant blew himself up, the report added.</p> <p>The Somali government immediately deployed security forces to engage the attackers, witnesses said. Security forces told state media they ended the siege nearly four hours after the attack.</p> <p>Mogadishu hospitals appealed for blood donations to assist those injured in the attack.</p> <p>Through its official radio, the al-Shabaab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack and for sending suicide attackers.</p> <p>Al-Shabab has attacked Lido Beach restaurants and hotels multiple times over the years because it is a favorite spot for families, young people and returning diaspora members to socialize.</p>
Content TypeText
LanguageEnglish
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateAugust 3, 2024 04:07 EDT
BylineHarun Maruf
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
