UN condemns deadly attack in Somalia

Thu Jun 20, 2013 

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned a deadly attack on the main UN compound in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

In a statement, Ban condemned the attack which took place on June 19 and killed at least 15 people including eight working for the UN saying he was “deeply concerned and outraged by the despicable attack.” 

Local security officials said that a bomber blew up explosives at the entrance gate of the UN Development Program (UNDP) office. 

Following the explosion, several heavily-armed gunmen entered the compound and opened fire. 

The compound is near the capital’s airport, serving as the main base for an African peacekeeping force fighting against fighters in Somalia. 

Hours after the attack, Ban's deputy spokesperson Eduardo del Buey issued a statement saying that “The secretary-general spoke by telephone today with the President of Somalia, H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ... thanked the President for expressing his concern and condolences for the attack on the UN compound in Mogadishu.” 

Local al-Shabab fighters have claimed responsibility for the attack. 

A senior al-Shabab official said, “Our commandos have attacked the UN compound... we set off an explosion and have entered the compound.” 

The Somali capital has been the scene of frequent attacks since fighters were driven out of the city two years ago. 

Somalia had no effective central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew former dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. 

However, lawmakers meeting in Mogadishu, elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the new president of Somalia with a big majority in September 2012. 

MAM/HN