Somalia bombing draws international condemnation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States, UK, Turkey, and European Union have condemned Thursday's Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu, which comes at the time Somalia is struggling to revive her national army besides improving stability and relations with other nations.

Police said at least 8 people were killed, 17 injured in the Mogadishu car bomb. Police also confirmed the target was a convoy belonging to a local security firm that “guards the UN”. Police didn’t say if any UN staffers were hurt in the explosion.

In a tweet, the EU delegation to Somalia condemned the attack, noting that the violence instigated by Al-Shabaab will not deter the people of Somalia from building their country. The EU also condoled with the families of those who died.

"EU Delegation to Somalia voices its utter condemnation of this morning’s bomb attack in Mogadishu and the senseless terrorist campaign by Al Shabaab. Violence will not derail the EU’s resolve to help the people of Somalia. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and close ones," EU noted.

On its part, Washington also condemned the attack, noting that it will continue working with Somalia in a bid to thwart terrorism. Further, the US noted that the people of Somalia deserve to live without any form of fear.

"Our thoughts are with the victims of this morning's bombing and with the families of those tragically killed and injured. The United States strongly condemns all forms of terrorism. The people of Somalia deserve to live without fear of attack," the US noted.

Turkey said: We are saddened to receive the news that at least 8 people lost their lives and many were injured in a bomb blast which took place today (25 November) near a school at Hodan district in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Ankara strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" and extended condolences to the friendly and brotherly people and the Government of Somalia. Turkey says it will continue to stand by Somalia in its fight against terrorism.

Just after the explosion, the Al-Shabaab media reported that the group is responsible for the explosion, adding that it was a suicide car bomb that targeted a convoy escorting “white officers” traveling from General Gordon's training camp.

The group still dominates large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia and has been targeting innocent civilians, security forces, and government officials. The government is yet to issue a statement with regard to the latest attack in the capital.

GAROWE ONLINE