UN condemns ‘heinous attacks’ in Somalia

By Nathan Morley

The United Nations has condemned attacks in Somalia’s capital which killed at least 100 people and injured hundreds more

António Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Somalia.

Guterres said he strongly condemned the heinous attacks and reiterated that the United Nations stood in solidarity with Somalia against violent extremism.

The attack

In addition to those killed, the twin explosions outside Somalia's Education Ministry building in Mogadishu injured more than 300 others.

The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group claimed responsibility for the outrage, which killed women, children, and several pensioners.

Police said a vehicle loaded with explosives drove into the education ministry building - another explosion occurred later in the same area.

Journalists and police officers were also among the casualties, according to a spokesperson of the Somali Police Force.

International response

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against the militants and vowed to step up the offensive against terrorists behind a series of attacks across the country.

The explosions came as the Somali president and leaders of the federal member states were meeting to examine ongoing offensive actions against al-Shabab.

The incident occurred at the exact location that a lorry packed with explosives exploded in October 2017, killing 587 people, mostly civilians.

Meanwhile, the United Nations mission in Somalia, UNSOM, pledged to stand resolutely with all Somalis against terrorism.

The White House also condemned the “tragic terrorist attack in Mogadishu... and in particular its heinous targeting of the Somali Ministry of Education and first responders.”