Mogadishu (UNA-OIC) – The United Nations in Somalia has strongly condemned Sunday’s terrorist attack on the Elite Hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu, which reportedly killed at least 16 people and left many others injured.
“This brazen attack targeted civilians, including government workers, peacefully enjoying their Sunday evening, causing many casualties,” the UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said on Monday.
“This savagery has no place in the country being built by Somalis and it merits the strongest condemnation,” he added.
In recent months, the extremist group Al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the attack, has been increasing its assaults across the country.
The latest attack involved a car bomb at the seaside hotel, reportedly followed by an intense gun battle between the terrorists and Somali security forces.
According to news reports, more than 200 people were rescued and five assailants were counted among those killed.
“This abhorrent attack should not and will not deter Somalis, and the entire United Nations family in Somalia reaffirms its commitment to and solidarity with all peace-loving Somalis in the face of such violence,” said the Special Representative.
AB/UNA-OIC
