MOGADISHU, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Lido Beach in the Somali capital of Mogadishu used to be a popular hangout spot surrounded by striking beach hotels and restaurants, which were a favorite for many Somalis who spent time with family and friends and enjoyed the beauty of the Somali coastline. The beach was also a place where families congregated to unwind, friends met to play football, and the community came together to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
On Aug. 2, the serene shores of Lido Beach View Hotel were marred by violence when the al-Shabab extremist group launched a deadly assault. The attack began with a suicide bomber detonating himself at the entrance gate of the hotel. As panic ensued, several armed militants with guns and bombs stormed the hotel building and started opening fire on beachgoers, many of whom were enjoying a peaceful Friday.
"More than 30 civilians died in this attack and about 63 others were wounded, some of them critically wounded," police spokesman Abdiftah Adan Hassan said after the deadly attack.
The al-Shabab has long sought to destabilize Somalia, particularly Mogadishu, as part of its broader goal to overthrow the central government for over 17 years. The armed group has carried out numerous attacks in the capital and other parts of the country. Recent years, however, have witnessed the Somali government, along with local armed militias known as Ma'awisley, intensify its efforts to root out the terrorist network, forcing al-Shabab fighters to retreat from key towns in central and northern regions.
The people of Mogadishu refuse to be cowed in the face of the relentless aggression by the terrorists. Barely one month after the devastating terrorist attack that claimed the lives of nearly 40 innocent people on Lido Beach View Hotel, residents are reclaiming their cherished coastline, demonstrating resilience.
Kassim Abdi, who tragically lost his best friend Kamil Mohamed, a 20-year-old student, in the attack, has returned to the beach despite the traumatic memories.
"The terrorist group al-Shabab targets Lido Beach with the intent to instill fear and drive people away from this beautiful coastline," said Kassim in a recent interview with Xinhua at Lido Beach.
"However, their efforts will never succeed in making this beach desolate. We will keep coming back until our last breath because to stop is to give them what they want," Kassim added, his determination reflecting the collective will of the community.
Similarly, Guhad Mohamed, a 22-year-old regular beachgoer who survived the attack, remains undeterred.
"Lido is my favorite hangout place in Mogadishu; it's my hometown. How can I be stopped from coming and enjoying life in this place?" Mohamed asked, his tone defiant.
As the sun sets over Lido Beach, casting a warm glow on the waves, families, children, and friends gather once more, showing the resilience of the Somali people.
Despite the terrorist attacks, Mogadishu residents continue to reclaim their beloved beach, proving that life and hope triumph over fear.
Lido Beach, now lively and vibrant again, stands as a symbol of Mogadishu's unbreakable spirit -- a place where the community comes together not just to relax, but to assert their right to live freely in their homeland.
"We should show the murderers that we won't be afraid of them. This is our land, and they cannot restrict our rights," Mohamed said.
