The huge explosion on Lido beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu was followed by gunshots, officials say.
A huge explosion has rocked the Somali capital Mogadishu on Friday evening, with police fearing casualties and reporting gunfire shortly after the blast.
The explosion occurred on Mogadishu's popular Lido beach, followed by gunfire.
Police official Ahmed Abdi told Anadolu news agency over the phone that, following the attack, security forces rushed to the beach, which also houses several hotels.
The main road leading to the scene has been sealed off, he added.
"We don't know the exact cause of the explosion, but it appears to be a suicide attack," Abdi said, adding, "We also don't know how many people were killed or injured."
Popular beach
Lido beach is frequented by civilians, security officials, and businesspeople.
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has condemned the attack. The explosion occurred while residents were swimming on Lido beach, causing deaths and injuries, Khaire said on his X account.
"I send my deepest condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who were martyred in these explosions," he said.
"The fact that the terrorist attack coincides with this night when the beach is the most congested shows the hostility of the terrorists to the Somali people."
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for recent attacks in the Horn of Africa country.
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