Somali Residents Demand Stronger Security After Deadly Al-Shabab Beach Attack

Hundreds gathered at a Somalia beach hotel, where an al-Qaeda affiliate attack left 37 dead and many injured. They demanded stronger security measures and condemned the violence. Protesters called for united efforts against al-Shabab, which still controls parts of the country and often targets civilians.

Hundreds gathered on Monday at a Somalia beach hotel, the site of a recent attack claimed by al-Qaeda's East Africa affiliate, which left 37 dead and many wounded. The protesters condemned the violence and demanded stronger security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility for Friday's attack at popular Lido beach in Mogadishu. Witnesses reported seeing an attacker wearing an explosive vest before detonating it. Security forces managed to kill four other militants during the attack.

Adar Sabriye, who lost her son Abdikani in the attack, was among the protesters urging authorities to ensure public safety. Another protester, Ahmed Mohamed, called on citizens to actively participate in countering al-Shabab's threat, emphasizing that the group's targets include ordinary people.

Al-Shabab, which opposes Somalia's federal government, continues to carry out attacks despite President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's declaration of a "total war" on the militants last year. The security situation has deteriorated recently, with a security analyst attributing it to the government's focus shift to politics and reelection.

(With inputs from agencies.)