RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the attack targeting the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which resulted in many civilian casualties.
A roadside bomb detonated near the presidential residence on Tuesday, shortly after President Mohamud’s convoy had departed from the palace grounds. However, officials confirmed that the head of state was unharmed.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry in a statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”
According to reports four people were killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.
Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.
The president’s convoy was on its way to the airport where President Mohamud was set to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.
In recent months, the Somali government has intensified its efforts to combat Al-Shabab in Middle Shabelle and other regions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting Somalia’s people and government.
Meanwhile, the British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.
“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was in Saudi Arabia in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh.
During the summit, he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.
