(16-10-23) MOGADISHU — —On Monday evening, a suicide bomber targeted Blue Sky Restaurant in Mogadishu’s Boondheere district, resulting in four injuries and claiming the life of Abdifitah Moallim Noor (Qeys), a leading figure in Somali journalism and the Director of the Mogadishu branch of Somali Cable TV, according to Somali Police statement.
The majority of victims were civilians, but the casualties also included government workers and military personnel. Al-Shabaab extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had targeted military and intelligence officials at the establishment.
Witnesses report that the assailant had already attracted the attention of presidential guards at a security checkpoint near the restaurant. Nevertheless, he managed to enter, mingled with patrons and detonated the explosives when approached by a soldier.
Minister of Information, Daud Aweis, expressed “profound condolences” in an official statement. “The Ministry of Information sends their deepest sympathies to the press, family, relatives and the entire Somali community,” said Aweis.
The Somali Police released a statement, detailing the aftermath. “The explosion resulted in four wounded individuals and the death of journalist Abdifitah Moallim Noor (Qeys),” the statement read. “Security forces have provided assistance to the affected. An investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided to the public.”
This latest attack follows a similar incident earlier this month when a suicide bomber targeted another restaurant, resulting in the death of eight presidential guards. The bombings, both of which occurred in close proximity to security checkpoints guarding the presidential palace, raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing security protocols in high-risk areas.
Halqabsi News
