Somalia Bombings draw International Condemnation

RIYADH: The international community has continued to condemn Saturday's Al-Shabaab raid in the capital Mogadishu, with a number of them pledging to support the country overcome terrorism, which has been an impediment to economic growth.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Affairs department condemned the attack in a statement while pledging to help the country tackle terrorism, which has technically paralyzed every department in the federal republic of Somalia for the last 16 years.

The Saudi Ministry affirmed in a statement the Kingdom's full support for Somalia in confronting “all terrorist acts that threaten its security and stability,” the Saudi Press Agency reported. For decades, Saudi Arabia has been closely supporting Somalia in a wide range of issues including supporting development activities.

Saturday's attack left over 100 people dead and 300 critically injured according to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who visited the site. The president pledged to have those wounded badly airlifted overseas for specialized treatment.

Also condemning the attacks were the United States and Somalia's former colonialist Italy, who called for unity in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The two nations pledged to help the country effectively tackle the conflict by supporting local forces.

"The United States condemns yesterday’s cowardly twin bombings in Mogadishu and reaffirms its support for the people and government of Somalia. As al-Shabaab loses on the battlefield, it continues to attack innocent Somali citizens," the US said in a statement.

"Italy strongly condemns the vile and cowardly Al-Shabaab attack near Zobe junction: far too many innocent lives were lost. Our deepest condolences to the victims and their families wish rapid recovery to the wounded," Italy noted. " Italy stands with Somalia against terrorism and in the fight against al-Shabaab."

The number of fatalities is expected to shoot up due to the large number of people who were critically wounded in the twin explosions which targeted the Ministry of Education building in Mogadishu. The attack came when the top NCC leadership had concluded a meeting meant to address Al-Shabaab's menace.

Qatar, Turkey, the US, Ethiopia, the UN, AU, Kenya, and Jordan have also condemned the attacks.

GAROWE ONLINE