At least 32 people have been killed and 63 others wounded in a devastating attack that unfolded in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. The assault, which began late Friday, consisted of a suicide bombing and gunfire near a popular hotel on Lido Beach, a well-known gathering place for residents of the city.

According to police reports, one soldier lost his life while the rest of the casualties and injured individuals were civilians. The extremist Islamic group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. In the ensuing gunfight with law enforcement, three insurgents were killed, while one was apprehended alive.

Tragically, the violence did not cease there. On Saturday morning, a separate roadside bomb detonated 25 miles away from Mogadishu, claiming the lives of seven more people and injuring four others.

For years, Somalia has been besieged by frequent attacks orchestrated by al-Shabab. Just last month, the militant group made a failed attempt to overrun three army bases in the southern region of the country, leading to a bloody confrontation with Somali forces.

In response to the recent violence, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other federal authorities convened to discuss strategies aimed at bolstering security in the capital. President Mohamud declared that the government is resolute in its determination to eliminate this violent group.

Government officials also visited local hospitals to provide support and comfort to the victims of the attacks. The National Counterterrorism Center states that al-Shabab seeks to overthrow the Somali federal government and expel foreign forces, while also aiming to establish an extremist Islamic state. The group emerged in response to the country's two decades of turmoil following the fall of the military dictatorship and attempted to seize control of southern Somalia in 2006 but was subsequently defeated by Somali and Ethiopian forces.

Over the years, al-Shabab has remained a menacing force in Somalia, carrying out numerous deadly bombings not only in the country itself but also in neighboring Kenya. Their targets have included hotels, restaurants, military bases, and the capital city.

In 2023, al-Shabab was ranked as the fourth deadliest terrorist group in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index. This ranking comes after the militants were linked to 227 attacks that resulted in 499 deaths.

Somali President Mohamud had previously pledged a "total war" against al-Shabab, demonstrating the government's commitment to eradicating this violent threat. As the country continues to mourn the loss of innocent lives, the urgency to enhance security measures remains paramount.