On August 2, 2024, Lido Beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, was the scene of a deadly four-hour attack. Al-Shabab militants stormed a beachfront hotel, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and leaving around 212 people injured.
The attack started with a suicide bomber detonating an explosive at the hotel’s entrance. Gunmen then opened fire on the beach, a popular spot for weekend relaxation. Witness Mohamud Moalim reported seeing a person wearing an explosive vest moments before it exploded near the beach-facing hotel. Moalim lost several friends in the attack, and others sustained injuries.
Abdisalam Adam, another witness, recounted the post-attack scene, noting numerous people lying on the ground. He assisted in transporting some of the wounded to nearby hospitals. The lively Friday evening was abruptly turned into a scene of devastation and chaos.
In reaction to the attack, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held urgent meetings with security officials. Several security personnel were arrested for negligence, and a ministerial committee was formed to manage emergency responses. “The government is determined to eliminate the terrorists,” President Mohamud declared, calling on citizens to report any suspicious activities.
Al-Shabab, an offshoot of al-Qaida, maintains a considerable threat in Somalia, controlling areas in the southern and central regions. The group has previously targeted Lido Beach, including an attack that claimed nine lives. Despite losing ground to Somali forces and their allies, al-Shabab continues to execute significant assaults.
International leaders have condemned the attack. The U.N. Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, labeled the assault an “abhorrent act” while pledging support for Somalia’s peace and stability initiatives. Regional leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, also denounced the attack and emphasized the need for a united front against terrorism.
In a separate incident on the same day, a roadside bomb 25 miles from Mogadishu claimed the lives of seven people and injured four others, underscoring the precarious security situation in Somalia and the challenges the government confronts in its fight against al-Shabab.
The human toll of the Lido Beach attack is significant. Survivor Hassan Farah recounted sipping coffee and conversing with friends when a large man started running. A flash of light followed by a huge explosion took place shortly after. Amid the smoke, many people lay on the ground, bleeding and crying.
As efforts to stabilize Somalia continue, President Mohamud’s administration is focusing on military campaigns against al-Shabab and strengthening governance and economic development. The support from the international community is crucial as Somalia works towards lasting peace and security.