Al-Shabaab claims deadly suicide attack in Somalia’s capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaeda linked group, the Al-Shabaab has taken responsibility for the deadly bomb blast at Gelato Devino restaurant within Mogadishu on Friday, arguing that the attack was "well-executed" as per the plans, in the latest terrorist attack within Somalia, which casts doubts about the country's preparedness in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

This was the group's first organized attack within the Somali capital, Mogadishu in as many months and authorities confirmed that eight lives were lost in the restaurant with dozens of others injured. Those who sustained injuries are now being treated in various hospitals.

Al-Shabaab said the attack was executed by the martyr squad which usually sustains suicide bombers in the country and even abroad, adding that the "mission was effective" according to reports published by friendly media outlets. The group further pledged more attacks in the country.

The Federal Government of Somalia condemned the attack, blaming "terrorists" for targeting innocent civilians in the capital. The government assured residents that deliberate efforts had been undertaken to avert further losses besides preventing similar attacks in the future.

Details on how the suicide bomber managed to beat sophisticated security apparatus within the capital are still scanty. The restaurant is just minutes from the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp which hosts the African Union Mission Forces in Somalia and several other diplomatic offices.

Most of those killed were "young and bright" Somalis who were going through their routine businesses, officials said. Among them was Abdirizak UK was an officer working for Shabeel group, a private security provider based in Somalia.

Also, Bishar Abdulkadir Elmi [Sufi Yare] was head of Immigration liaison to Somali Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia succumbed in the attack. Sources said that he had arrived from Ethiopia and his immediate mission in Mogadishu was still unknown.

"We lost our sense of priorities and moral compass as a country by accepting to sacrifice the future of this nation to be slaughtered day after day. Seeing this will take generations to lose hope in their country. We must take the fight to the terrorist and stop the atrocities," said Adam Matan, one of Mogadishu's residents.

Al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia despite the fact that the group has lost key strategic towns in as many years. The African Union Mission Forces and the US Africa Command have been assisting Somali National Army in degrading the group.

GAROWE ONLINE