The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif commended Somali security forces and AMISOM personnel for their quick response to counter an attack on the Somali Parliament today.
A Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) went off at the entrance to the Parliament and this was followed up by al Shabaab fighters who managed to get into an unoccupied part the building.
The quick response team of the Somali National Army, supported by AMISOM security personnel, immediately deployed to the area and countered the attack. All Members of Parliament have safely been evacuated from the building. Medical teams are on the scene to provide immediate attention and the injured have been brought to the AMISOM hospital where they are receiving medical attention.
Ambassador Annadif said “The Federal Government of Somalia, supported by AMISOM, will continue to make its prime focus the stabilization of the country. These attacks show that al Shabaab simply don’t care about the plight of innocent Somalis. Yet again they are bent on their own selfish purpose and show no respect for the well-being of ordinary people. And the failure of their attack once again evidences the futility of their actions.”
Ambassador Annadif sent his condolences to the families and friends of all those who suffered in today’s attack and wished a swift recovery for those injured.
