Monday July 2, 2018
MOGADISHU, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Somali government on Monday
condemned a mortar attack on Sunday in Mogadishu that reportedly left at
least five people dead and more than ten others injured.
The Ministry of Information also lauded quick response by the Somali
security forces and the African Union Mission (AMISOM) troops for their
swift response to the incident in Wadajir district.
"The Federal Government of Somalia reiterates that acts of terrorism
will not deter Somalia from its path of peace and state building, and
emphasizes its commitment to building a safe and prosperous future for
the Somali people," the ministry said in a statement issued in
Mogadishu.
"The Federal Government of Somalia expresses its condolences to the
families of those victims who lost their lives and wishes the injured
speedy recovery," the ministry added.
Suspected al-Shabab militants fired three rounds of mortar shells
targeting the heavily guarded airport but struck a residential
neighborhood leaving five family members dead.
Witnesses said the mortar shells targeted the AMISOM military command
camp in Halane which is located near the airport but the shells did not
land in the compound.
"The Federal Government of Somalia expresses regret that this evil
and cowardly attack was perpetrated on Somalia's Independence Day, a day
of celebration for our nation and people," said the ministry.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack but extremist group al-Shabab often targets high-profile areas of the capital.