The UK government on Friday branded an attack by Al Shabaab terrorist group against Somali civilians as "barbaric".

"I condemn this barbaric and indiscriminate attack on Somalis who were simply meeting with family and friends on Lido Beach. Our thoughts are with the people of Somalia, its government and the families of those injured and killed," UK Minister for Africa said.

"The UK stands alongside Somalia as it confronts those who seek to destroy what has been achieved," James Duddridge added.

The gunmen had approached a beach-side restaurant in Mogadishu from Lido beach on Thursday evening, firing on diners.

Twenty people were killed. Militants also detonated two car bombs nearby.

Al-Shabab said it was behind the attack. The group has carried out frequent assaults on the Somali capital.

Source: MENA