Somali government arrests military officers following deadly Al-Shabaab attack

The Somali government has arrested several army officers in response to the deadly al-Shabaab attack on a popular beachside hotel in Mogadishu on Friday.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre confirmed the arrests, stating that the officers responsible for security at Lido Beach on the day of the attack are being held accountable for the deadly events that occurred on Friday night.

"Several people, including army officers whom we suspect were behind the Friday attack, are behind bars," Hamza said.

He did not disclose the names of the officers suspected of either aiding or being involved in the attack.

The Prime Minister described the attack as barbaric, noting that it was not only against Islamic principles but also against the culture of the Somali community.

He pointed out that al-Shabaab targets public places with civilians because they have been defeated on the battlefield by the Somali army.

Following the attack, Hamza visited some of the victims who are recovering at Erdogan Hospital.

In the wake of the attack, which claimed over 37 lives and left more than 200 injured, several countries and leaders have expressed their condolences to the Somali people.

Egypt was the first to extend its sympathies, with the Foreign Ministry offering sincere condolences to the Somali government, the Somali people, and the victims' families.

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack, stating its opposition to any form of violence, extremism, and targeting of civilians.

Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Kanaani, also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the Somali government and the families of the victims.

The incident began with a suicide bomber detonating at the Beachview Hotel's entryway.

Security forces responded swiftly, eliminating all the gunmen involved in the attack, as reported by state media.