Certainly! Here’s a paraphrased version:
A bombing in Mogadishu’s Boondheere district killed five civilians and injured 20 others at a busy restaurant during Sunday night’s Euro final match between Spain and England. The explosion, caused by a vehicle packed with explosives parked outside Top Coffee, was reportedly carried out by Al-Shabaab, according to Somali police.
The restaurant, crowded with patrons watching the soccer game, suffered significant damage, including flames and smoke visible in photos from the scene. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as people sought to escape the chaos. Located in a heavily guarded area near key government buildings, Top Coffee faced extensive property damage, particularly to vehicles parked nearby.
“It was a terrifying situation; everyone was trying to save themselves,” said one eyewitness.
Mohamed Muse Tarsan, a journalist and witness before the explosion, described the immediate aftermath as chaotic. “As we watched the game’s first half, a loud explosion suddenly rocked the restaurant. Panic ensued, with everyone scrambling for safety,” he recounted.
Tarsan noted the challenges faced by patrons escaping through the restaurant’s single entrance, blocked by flames, forcing them to climb over a two-meter-high wall to safety. “People were pushing and shoving to get out,” he added.
The explosion primarily affected the part of the restaurant adjacent to the main road, where numerous vehicles were damaged. While initial reports suggested casualties, exact figures were difficult to confirm amid ongoing medical treatment in Mogadishu hospitals.
The bombing, one of the deadliest incidents in recent months in Mogadishu, underscores ongoing security challenges despite stringent measures near government institutions. While no group has officially claimed responsibility, authorities suspect Al-Shabaab, known for targeting both government and civilian targets in its campaign against Somalia’s federal government.