UN chief condemns bomb attacks in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

NEW YORK (Caasimada Online)—UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has on Sunday strongly condemned Saturday’s suicide attacks in Baidoa town, about 250km southwest of Somali capital Mogadishu.

The bomb attack killed at least 22 people and injured 35 others after suicide bombers targeted popular hotel and coffee shop in the town.

Mr. Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and government of Somalia.

The secretary-general reiterated the full support of the United Nations to the Somali authorities in their fight against terrorism and their pursuit of a peaceful and stable Somalia, said the statement.

Saturday’s suicide bomb explosions claimed by Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.

The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab extremist group often carries out deadly bombings in high-profile areas of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere.

The Islamist militant group al-Shabaab, which battled for control of the capital from 2006 on-wards, banned forms of public entertainment like movies and musical ringtones in areas under their sway.

Somalia has been mired in turmoil since warlords toppled dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, leaving militants, militia groups and clan leaders all fighting for control of parts of the anarchic country.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com