A deadly attack by Islamist militants rocked the Somali capital on Friday night, leaving nine people dead and 20 injured.

The assailants targeted the Pearl restaurant, a popular spot on Lido beach, using explosives and guns to storm the premises.

The victims included six civilians and three soldiers who were guarding the restaurant. Security forces responded to the attack and rescued 84 people who were trapped inside.

The al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying they had taken control of the restaurant. The attack was the latest in a series of violent incidents by al-Shabaab, which has been fighting to overthrow the Somali government and impose its strict version of Islamic law.

The group has also carried out attacks in neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Uganda, which have contributed troops to an African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.