Car Bomb in Mogadishu Kills Nine, Injures 20 During Euro 2024 Final

Jul 15, 2024, 03:35 AM

A powerful car bomb exploded outside a busy café in central Mogadishu on Sunday evening, killing at least five people and injuring around 20 others. The explosion occurred near the Daljirka Dahson statue and the Unknown Soldier’s monument, targeting a tea and coffee shop where patrons had gathered to watch the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England. Initial reports suggested either a suicide bomber or a car bomb as the cause of the explosion. Major Abdifitah Aden Hassan, a police spokesperson, confirmed the casualties and injuries, attributing the attack to Kharijite terrorists. The blast caused significant destruction, including the obliteration of 10 cars and damage to several nearby structures. Security sources later reported that the death toll had climbed to nine. The attack is suspected to have been carried out by al-Shabaab.