The explosion occurred as patrons gathered to watch the final match of the Euro 2024 football tournament on television.
The blast caused significant damage to the surrounding area, shattering windows and scattering debris.
A Reuters reporter stated that the explosion destroyed ten cars and damaged several buildings in a heavily guarded area close to the Presidential Palace.
In a broadcast on an affiliated radio station, Al Shabaab militants claimed responsibility for the attack, indicating that the bombing was intended to target a site where security and government officials gather at night.
This declaration underscores the group’s continued efforts to destabilize the area and target key governmental figures.
Once controlling significant portions of Somalia, the Islamist group Al Shabaab has waged a prolonged conflict aimed at enforcing its stringent interpretation of Islam across the nation.
Despite being driven out of many urban areas by Somali and African Union forces, the group continues to carry out attacks, seeking to undermine the government and impose its ideology.
Their insurgency has led to a prolonged humanitarian crisis, exacerbating the instability in the region.
Despite losing significant territory to government forces and their allies, insurgents have persistently conducted raids and deadly attacks in Mogadishu and other regions under federal control over the past two years.
Their operations have continued to challenge the stability of the government, demonstrating their resilience and capacity to inflict harm even as they face military setbacks.