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UN condemns deadly bomb attacks in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Nov 10, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – The United Nations Assistance Mission in
Somalia (UNSOM) has strongly condemned Friday’s deadly attacks in Somali
capital, Mogadishu which left at least 15 people dead and several others
wounded.
Raisedon Zenenga, UN secretary-general’s deputy special representative for
Somalia, said increased terror attacks will not deter international
community’s efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa nation.
“We join the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in condemning
this act of terror in no uncertain terms – such reprehensible acts of
terrorism will not in any way undermine the determination of the Somali
people to pursue their state-building, economic recovery and security
priorities,” Zenenga said in a statement issued on Friday evening.
He said the United Nations and the wider international community stand with
Somalis as they struggle to reconstruct their country.
The statement comes after three vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices
were detonated near the capital’s Sahafi Hotel on Friday afternoon, with the
car bombings then followed by an armed attack by militants.
Witnesses also said the first blast hit the wall of the Hotel Sahafi, the
second car with explosives detonated between the hotel and criminal
investigations department (CID) and the third car blew up on a small street
behind the hotel.
Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. The militants attempting
to storm the hotel were however thwarted by security forces who killed the
four attackers.
The insurgents have stepped up their assault against the government and
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) bases across south and central
parts of the Horn of Africa nation.
BSS/XINHUA/ARS/1643 hrs