Militants kill 7 in Somali beach attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) – At least nine people were killed and two others injured late Thursday in a car-bomb attack at a beach restaurant in the Somali capital Mogadishu, local media report.

The attack took place at Banadir restaurant on Lido beach, a highly frequented area, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

Five civilians, two members of the security forces and two attackers died in the incident. Two other civilians were hurt, a regional police commander told Somali National News Agency, SONNA.

Last January a similar attack by al-Shabaab militants on a restaurant at Lido beach left dozens dead.

Eyewitnesses told Anadolu Agency there was an exchange of gunfire between security forces and attackers after Thursday’s explosion.

SONNA also reported that security forces captured one of the militants involved in the attack.

Al-Shabaab attacks are common in the Somali capital, especially at security and administrative buildings. Public spaces have also been targeted.

Last Sunday, at least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in twin suicide attacks by the militant group in front of a government building.

On Wednesday, a Somali colonel was shot dead by al-Shabaab in the western part of Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab, formed in 2004, is linked to al-Qaeda.