Somalia: UN envoy strongly condemns terrorist attack near Mogadishu airport
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 26 July 2016 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Somalia: UN envoy strongly condemns terrorist attack near Mogadishu airport, 26 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57977b6d40b.html [accessed 26 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
26 July 2016 - The United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned today's terrorist attack in the vicinity of Mogadishu International Airport that killed at least a dozen people.
According to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), suicide bombers detonated two vehicles laden with explosives near the perimeter of the airport enclave this morning, and no UN personnel are among the confirmed dead.
Condemning the attack “in the strongest possible terms” in a statement to the press, Michael Keating, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, said that “a ruthless attack” was carried out once again by the Al-Shabaab insurgent group.
“The overwhelming majority of Somalis have rejected such terrorist tactics and the use of violence to achieve political objectives,” he said.
“This horrific incident is a fresh example of the extremists' desperate attempts to disrupt political progress” but neither the Somali authorities nor the UN will be deterred from moving forward, he stressed, noting that limited franchise elections are due to be held later this year.
Also in the statement, Mr. Keating, on behalf of the entire UN community in Somalia, extended heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
