hotel siege by al-Shabaab fighters in the Somali capital, Mogadishu has ended, and the final death toll from the attack stands at 28, a senior government official said on Friday.
The US and African Union have condemned the terrorist attack in Mogadishu which killed at least 30 people but hailed security forces and first responders for their ‘heroic’ sacrifice.
In separate statements, the US ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto and AU Special Representative to Somalia Francisco Madeira said the attacks were an affront to humanity and demonstrated Al-Shabaab’s disregard for Somali people.
“The attack on Hotel Makkah Al-Mukarammah and other nearby businesses by Al-Shabaab is yet another proof that the militants have no respect for human rights or regard for the sanctity of human life,” said Madeira. “Their selfish aim is to scuttle the progress so far achieved by the federal and state governments and their development partners in stabilizing Somalia.”
Madeira who is also the head of AMISOM condoled with the families of those affected in the attack.
On his part, Ambassador Yamamoto echoed Madeira’s remarks in condemning the attack that left in its wake death, maim and destruction of property.
“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the February 28 terrorist attacks in Mogadishu,” the statement from the US embassy in Mogadishu read in part. “We commend the heroic actions of the Somali security forces and first responders who unselfishly put themselves in harm’s way to repel the attackers and provide care to the trapped and wounded saving many lives. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who were killed or injured.”
“A-Shabaab,’ Yamamoto said, “Had yet again demonstrated that it has no regard for the Somali people and has one goal – to prevent progress towards peace and prosperity in Somalia.”
The US ambassador also reiterated his country’s commitment for peace and stability in Somalia.
Somali forces battled round the clock to bring down the militants who were holed up in a building along Maka al Mukarama Street and finally ended the siege Friday evening. Several people who were trapped in the building were rescued.
One body was recovered from the rubble Saturday adding to another one recovered Friday evening after the operation concluded. Several buildings and vehicles parked along the busy street were damaged during the attack.
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