Somali embassy condemns suicide attacks in Mogadishu

By Peter Orengo

The Somali Embassy in Nairobi has condemned the suicide attacks that killed 11 people at a peacekeeping base in Mogadishu.

Mohamed Ali Nur, the Somalia Ambassador to Kenya called that act as cowardly and said his government would pursue the killers.

Head of Diplomatic Police Allan Sangoroh (in uniform) blocks a journalist at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, Thursday. Journalist were barred from taking pictures of the bodies of AU mission military killed in Somalia. Several people were injured when two bombs exploded at Amison Force Headquarters in Mogadishu. [PHOTO: sTAFFORD ONDEGO /STANDARD]

"We believe they are terrorists from foreign countries committed to undermining our peace efforts," Nur said.

The ambassador, who conveyed a message from the Somali Prime Minister, Omar Sharmarke asked the international community to increase support for Africa Union Mission in Somalia (Amison) and Somali security forces. At least two bombs exploded at the AU forces headquarters yesterday. The explosion killed 11 people and injured scores of others. Among the dead is the Deputy Commander of the AU force in Somalia, along with four of the bombers. The injured were flown to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

Smooth operations

Information Minister, Dajir Mohamed Geele said the attack would not affect the operations of Amison.

"Other reports had indicated the Al Shabaab militia group was responsible for the attacks in apparent revenge for a US raid that reportedly killed Al Qaeda suspect Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan.