In Mogadishu’s Boondheere district, a bombing at a crowded restaurant resulted in the deaths of five civilians and injuries to 20 others on Sunday night, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent months. The incident took place when a vehicle filled with explosives was parked outside Top Coffee as patrons watched the Euro final match between Spain and England. According to Somali police, Al-Shabaab executed the attack.
Enjoying the soccer game, the restaurant was packed with young people. Images from the scene revealed flames, smoke, and significant structural damage to the building. Additionally, police reported that the blast caused extensive damage to vehicles belonging to the patrons.
A witness described the scene to the BBC, saying, “It was a terrifying situation; everyone was trying to save themselves.”
Located in a highly secured area near key government buildings, Top Coffee is a popular spot. The restaurant is close to the Presidential Palace, Parliament, and the National Intelligence headquarters, with security checkpoints on all roads leading to the vicinity.
Mohamed Muse Tarsan, a journalist based in Mogadishu and present at the restaurant before the explosion, recounted the chaos to the BBC Somali Service. “As we were watching the first half of the game, we suddenly heard a loud, terrifying explosion. Panic followed, with everyone trying to find a way to survive,” he explained.
With flames blocking the only entrance, Tarsan noted that people were forced to climb over a two-meter-high wall to escape. “People were crushing each other to be the first to get out,” he added.
Suffering the main damage, the part of the restaurant adjacent to the main road was severely impacted, where numerous vehicles were parked. Exact numbers could not be confirmed, but eyewitnesses indicated that the casualty count might be higher than reported.
Being treated at hospitals in Mogadishu, the injured are receiving medical attention. Representing one of the deadliest attacks in the city in recent months, the bombing has not been officially claimed by any group. However, authorities suspect the militant group Al-Shabaab, which regularly targets government and civilian sites throughout the country in an effort to overthrow Somalia’s internationally-backed federal government.
