UN Security Council condemns hotel attack in Somalia

The UN Security Council on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a hotel in Somali capital of Mogadishu that resulted in the heavy deaths of civilians.

In a press statement issued here, the Council members underlined that "neither this, nor any other senseless act of terrorism in Somalia, would dent their resolve to support the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia."

They also expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Somalia.

At least 10 people were killed and scores of others injured in a suicide car explosion and gun attack targeted Maka Almukara Hotel in Mogadishu Friday. Yusuf Bari-Bari, Somali Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, was among those killed in the attack.

Somali militant group Al-shabaab claimed the responsibility of the attack, saying they killed government officials at the hotel and will continue to target government officials at any place in Mogadishu.

In the statement, the Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

Reiterating their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, the 15-nation body underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. Endite