At least 32 killed in militant attack on Mogadishu beach

NAIROBI, Kenya 

At least 32 people were killed and 63 others were injured after al-Shabab militants attacked a crowded beachfront area in Mogadishu, Somalia, Friday night, according to a Somali police spokesperson, Major Abdifatah Aden Hassan.

The attack started around 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.

Purported video clips published by local media sites showed many people lying on the beach, some seemingly dead, others badly injured.

After the first explosion went off, three al-Shabaab gunmen stormed a beachfront dining and entertainment building.

In addition to the civilians killed, all three attackers were shot and killed by security forces, police said. A fourth militant blew himself up, the report added.

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.

Mogadishu hospitals appealed for blood donations to assist those injured in the attack.

Al-Shabaab, through its official radio, claimed responsibility for the attack and for sending suicide attackers.

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.