Deadly explosion in Mogadishu leaves five dead, 20 injured

The blast targeted the popular Top Coffee Restaurant, located in the city center, as it was filled with football fans watching the Euro 2024 final match between Spain and England.

Graphic images shared online showed a large fireball erupting from the scene, followed by plumes of smoke rising into the night sky. Somali National News Agency (SONNA) blamed the attack on "Kharijite terrorists," a term sometimes used to refer to extremist groups.

Somali National Television confirmed the details of the bombing and the casualty figures, which were based on preliminary police reports from spokesperson Major Abdifitah Aden Hassan.

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and ambulances, rushed to the scene. The area, located near the heavily guarded presidential compound known as Villa Somalia, was cordoned off by authorities. (ILKHA)