Deadly Car Bombing Rocks Mogadishu Amid Euro 2024 Viewing

A car bomb exploded outside a Mogadishu restaurant, killing five and injuring 20. Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility, targeting an area where security and government officials meet. The blast destroyed 10 cars and damaged nearby buildings in a well-guarded area near the Presidential Palace.

A car bomb exploded outside a restaurant in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Sunday night, killing five people and injuring 20 as patrons watched the final of the Euro 2024 football tournament on TV, police reported, blaming Islamist insurgents.

The bomb destroyed 10 cars and caused extensive damage to several buildings nearby in a well-guarded area close to the Presidential Palace, according to a Reuters correspondent at the scene.

Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack via an affiliated radio station, stating that the bombing targeted a location frequented by security and government officials at night. The insurgent group, which seeks to enforce its strict interpretation of Islam, has launched numerous deadly attacks in Mogadishu and other government-controlled regions over the past two years, despite losing significant territory to government forces and allies.

(With inputs from agencies.)