Attack on UN compound in Mogadishu injures three

Focus on Somalia

Three people were injured after a mortar attack on a United Nations compound in Mogadishu on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Somalia, Nicholas Haysom, the attack happened in morning hours.

“Seven mortars landed inside the compound this afternoon, injuring two UN staff members and one contractor. None of the injuries is life-threatening,”Haysom said in a statement.

It is said that Islamic militants, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

“Today’s indirect fire attack on the main UN compound in Mogadishu may amount to a violation of international humanitarian law, and I deplore this unwarranted act of aggression against our personnel,” the UN Secretary General Special Representative said.

“No political agenda can be served through violence that deliberately targets staff members of international organizations who are supporting the consolidation of peace and the strengthening of governing institutions in Somalia. I wish our wounded colleagues a full recovery from their injuries.”

Despite being reduced in number, there have been attacks by Al Shabaab insurgents in various places in Somali’s capital, Mogadishu over the years.

Uganda is the largest troop contributor of the 22,000 strong AMISOM force since 2007, contributing roughly 80 percent of the number.

The African Union force was responsible for expelling Al Shabaab militants out of Mogadishu in 2011 and the forces with the UPDF in the lead guard the key government installations and UN offices in the Somali capital.

 

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