January 2016 Mogadishu attack explained

January 2016 Mogadishu attack
Partof:	Somali Civil War (2009–present)
Location:	Mogadishu, Somalia
Date:	21 January 2016
Type:	Suicide car bombing Mass shooting
Fatalities:	About 20
Injuries:	17
Perps:	Al-Shabaab
Weapons:	Car bomb, AK-47 rifles

An attack occurred on 21 January 2016 in Mogadishu, Somalia. Al-Shabaab drove a suicide car bomb at the gate of the Beach View Café, a seafood restaurant overlooking the city's Lido Beach.^{[1] [2]} Another blast struck about an hour later as government soldiers laid siege to the restaurant. After the blasts, militants entered the building, some of them by boat, and attacked civilians within. About 20 people were killed and 17 others wounded. Several perpetrators were also killed and one was arrested.

Al-Qaeda linked group Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, saying the attackers used AK-47s and suicide vests.^{[3] [4] [5] [6]} The attack occurred six days after al-Shabaab attacked a Kenyan-run AMISOM base in El Adde, Gedo.

See also

• 2016 timeline of the Somali Civil War
• Pescatore Seafood Restaurant bombing, another attack in Lido Beach
• 2023 Mogadishu hotel attack, another attack in Lido Beach

Notes and References

1. Web site: Al-Shabab storms beachside restaurant in Somali capital.
2. Web site: Mogadishu beach attack: At least 20 dead as Somali forces end siege. TheGuardian.com. 22 January 2016.
3. News: Islamist gunmen kill 17 in Somalia beach restaurant attack. 22 January 2016. Reuters. 24 January 2016.
4. News: Somalia hotel attack: Terrorists kill at least 20 people in Mogadishu. 22 January 2016. CNN. 24 January 2016.
5. Web site: Gunmen attack beach restaurant in Mogadishu. Independent.co.uk. 22 January 2016.
6. Web site: Somalia: Al-Shabaab storm restaurant beach resort killing civilians and detonating 2 car bombs. 21 January 2016.