Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  ©Diplomatic Times  /  UN Secretary General António Guterres 

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –   NEW  YORK  –  UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned what he described as “this horrendous crime” a Somalia Car Bomb Attack Saturday that Killed 78 Persons. It was the worst attack in the Horn-Of-Africa nation’s capital city Mogadishu since a 2017 bombing that killed hundreds.  President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed blamed the local al-Shabab Islamist group. At least 78 people died and scores more were wounded when a car bomb exploded at a busy checkpoint in the capital, Mogadishu.  Many of the victims were students.

“The Secretary-General reiterates the full commitment of the United Nations to support the people and Government of Somalia in their pursuit of peace and development.”

-Stephane Dujarric,  Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The UN Secretary-General also extends his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He stresses that the perpetrators of this horrendous crime must be brought to justice, according to  a  statement.

The top humanitarian official in Somalia also joined the Secretary-General in condemning the attack.  Adam Abdelmoula, who is a Deputy Special Representative at the UN Assistance Mission in the country, UNSOM, took to Twitter to underline the Organization’s solidarity with the Somali people and Government.

I condemn today's barbaric attack in the strongest possible terms. My prayers are with all those affected. The @UNinSomalia stands firm in its continued solidarity with the people of #Somalia and their Government.

— Adam Abdelmoula (@adam_abdelmoula) December 28, 2019

U.S. Conducts  Three Airstrikes against al-Shabaab Terrorists

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three (3) airstrikes in two (2) locations targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow and Caliyoow Barrow, Somalia, respectively, Dec. 29.

“Since al-Shabaab’s first external attack in 2010, the group has ruthlessly killed hundreds. They have attacked and killed African partners, allies, and fellow Americans.  They are a global menace and their sights are set on exporting violence regionally and eventually attacking the U.S. homeland.”

-U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command.

Initial assessment concluded two airstrikes killed two (2) terrorists and destroyed two (2) vehicles in Qunyo Barrow; and one airstrike killed two (2) terrorists in Caliyoow Barrow, according to U.S. Africa Command, which also said  it currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.