At least seven individuals lost their lives when a suicide bomber detonated explosives in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Thursday.

According to AFP, a suicide bomber detonated explosives near a police academy in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals. Among the deceased are civilians and police officers, as confirmed by police and witnesses.

Authorities reported that the assailant approached a gathering of people who were enjoying tea beneath a tree, where the bomb was detonated around 3:30 PM local time (12:30 PM GMT).

A police statement indicated, “The apparent casualty information we have indicates that seven people have died, including police and civilians, while six others have sustained injuries.” The statement further noted that “the explosion occurred beneath trees where local residents often gather to relax.”

Witnesses recounted the chaos that ensued following the blast, as rescuers hurried to the scene. Ahmed Adan, a witness, described the aftermath, stating, “There were dead bodies and wounded individuals scattered under the trees; the entire area was in disarray.” Another witness, Mohamed Salad, expressed his horror, recounting that “the explosion happened while people were spending time together, some of them enjoying their tea.”

Reports from those present at the scene suggested that a well-known Somali poet may have been among those killed in the attack.

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the bombing in an official statement. Al-Shabaab is notorious for executing numerous attacks in Mogadishu and across Somalia, particularly as the Somali government intensifies its military offensive aimed at eliminating the group.

In August, an Al-Shabaab attack on a crowded beach in the capital resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, sparking public demonstrations against the terrorist organization.