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East African bloc condemns terror attacks in Somalia

Xinhua, July 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

An East Africa's bloc has condemned Sunday's terrorist attack on Jazeera Hotel in Mogadishu that resulted in 15 deaths, including a Chinese embassy staff, and injured over 40 others.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said the ongoing efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa will not be derailed by increased attacks by Al-Shabaab.

"No matter how atrocious the Al-Shabaab terror group grows, the heroic people of Somalia and their government will continue to enjoy support from IGAD and the international community in their quest for a sovereign, peacefully, and prosperous Somalia," the bloc said in a statement received in Nairobi Tuesday.

IGAD offered its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in the attack, and wished speedy recovery to those who were injured.

"This attack comes at a time when the armed forces of Somalia and those of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) have cornered the Al-Shabaab in Operation Jubba Corridor," the bloc said.

The regional bloc also reiterated it will always stand in solidarity with the people and government of Somalia as the allied intensify their offensive against the militants.

The hotel houses several embassies and is also frequented by foreign dignitaries, including senior Somali government officials. The attack has been described as one of the worst scenes of destruction seen in Mogadishu.

Somali militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Al-Qaida linked military group said it was responding to the operation against them by African Union force and the Somali government in southern Somalia.

A senior UN official in Somalia has also strongly condemned the terrorist attack, saying the killers will not succeed in impeding the progress and extraordinary efforts of the Somali people and Government.

"I commend the swift response of Somalia's security and first responders. The perpetrators need to be brought to justice swiftly," Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia said in a statement.

Kay, who also heads up the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), offered his sincere condolences to the family and friends of all those who have suffered, as well as to the government of Somalia. Endit