(credit: UN Somalia)  Violent extremists have carried out bombings in the Somali capital of Mogadishu on various occasions. Pictured here is the aftermath of a car bomb attack on the city’s Banadir Beach hotel in August 2016.

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS   – NEW  YORK  –  The United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned Sunday’s terrorist attack on a hotel near the international airport in capital Mogadishu that left at least five people dead and dozens more wounded.  According to media reports, the Al-Shabaab terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack on Hotel Afrik, which began with a car bomb, followed by an hours-long gun battle with security forces. Four attackers were also killed.  In a  statement, the UN in Somalia expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. 

“We are appalled by this reprehensible and senseless attack on a venue frequented by innocent civilians, and condemn it in the strongest terms.”

-UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan

Horn of Africa Nation  Somalia Suffered  Number of Brutal Terrorist Attacks

Credit: Gary Raynaldo /  ©Diplomatic Times  /  James Swan, head of the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), speaks at the International Peace Institute forum in New York City February 25, 2020  discussion of Somalia’s recent progress and immediate future.

Situated in the Horn of Africa, Somalia has suffered a number of brutal terrorist attacks, many of which have been claimed by Al-Shabaab. In one such incident in August 2020, at least 17 people were killed when the terrorist group attacked the Elite Hotel, resulting in a seven-hour battle with security forces.

Upsurge in al-Shabaab Terror Attacks Cause For Concern

Speaking last year at the International  Peace Institute forum in New York City,  Swan  described a “worrying upsurge” in al-Shabaab attacks, particularly in Mogadishu, drawing attention to the  assault on the Elite Hotel and an unquestionable need for “hard security” operations to counter the group.    Somalia is to take the lead on its security matters in 2021, he said, and while Federal authorities have completed a concept note for updating the transition plan, force generation has faced setbacks in meeting 2020 projections, owing to COVID-19.