A devastating car bombing at a packed cafe in Somalia’s capital has claimed nine lives, according to security sources.
The blast occurred late Sunday at Top Coffee restaurant, where football fans had gathered to watch the Euro 2024 final.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people scrambled for safety, with the main entrance destroyed and a massive fireball engulfing the building. Mohamed Yusuf, a national security agency official, confirmed nine civilians died and 20 were injured in the explosion.
The cafe, located near the presidential palace, was filled with young men watching the Spain-England final. “Most of them made their way out safely… but thanks to God,” Yusuf said. No group has claimed responsibility, but Somali National News Agency attributed the attack to Al-Shabaab jihadists.
Images showed a huge fireball and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky. Witnesses described panic and chaos, with people bleeding and screaming. Police officer Mohamed Salad said five people died outside, including drivers, and four inside the restaurant, some pulled from under debris.
The attack has left the community in shock, with piles of rubble and burnt-out vehicles at the scene. The death toll may rise as investigations continue.
