A suicide attack in a cafe in Mogadishu killed 7 people and injured 22 people. Several shops and vehicles were damaged in the attack, and people in the nearby area were affected by the blast. The force of the blast shattered the windows and people who were just a few meters away were also severely affected.
There have been more than 80 major attacks in Mogadishu in the past year, most of which are likely to be attributed to extremist groups, killing nearly 1,500 people. To counter this growing threat, the government has deployed 400 security personnel and plans to set up 700 new checkpoints to further strengthen the city’s security. These measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the city to prevent further loss of life.
- Explosion Details and Immediate Impact
A recent attack in Mogadishu killed 7 people, including 4 civilians, 2 security personnel and a journalist. 27 people were injured in the attack, 13 of whom were critically injured. 19 injured people required immediate medical attention and the remaining 8 were treated as outpatients.
- Casualties and Property Damage
The incident took place at a well-known commercial center in the Hodan area, where local people and government officials gather. About 150 people were present at the site at the time of the explosion, including 35 percent of government employees. As a result of the attack, 60 businesses were affected, 45 of which had to be temporarily closed.
- Suspected Perpetrators and Their Motive
After the attack, preliminary investigations revealed that the group involved in the bombing was linked to militant elements, which have orchestrated more than 20 attacks in the city over the past year. The group is reported to have killed more than 200 people. After the blast, police raided the area and detained 30 suspects.
- Government and Security Response
In response, government agencies immediately increased security in the city and deployed 1,500 additional police officers. $7 million in emergency aid was allocated to help victims, including treating more than 50 seriously injured. 80 new security points have been set up in the city and surveillance has been tightened at 20 sensitive locations.
- Long-Term Security Measures and Prevention Plans
As a result of the bombing, the number of cafes and restaurants in the Howden district fell by 60%, costing local businesses $4.5 million. Several shops saw a 35 percent drop in customer traffic, while hotels saw a 20 percent drop in bookings for the next month. Economists have predicted a 10 percent contraction in Mogadishu’s economy as threats escalate.
The suicide bombing in Mogadishu underscored the growing concern in the region, where extremist groups continue to pose threats. Despite recent security measures, the attack has highlighted the challenges of securing public spaces. After this incident, immediate steps are needed for economic and social rehabilitation of the city to achieve long-term stability.