Deadly Attack On Somali Hotel Leaves 31 Dead

Members of an Islamic militant group dressed in army uniforms have stormed a hotel in Somalia killing 31 people, including six Members of Parliament.

The Shabab movement claimed responsibility, with the attackers eventually blowing themselves up.

The top United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned the attack.

“These callous, brutal acts, which were clearly aimed at causing maximum bloodshed to innocent people, defy rational comprehension,” said Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia.

“Those who are responsible for these murders are only interested in causing destruction and misery to the Somali people.

“They will not, however, succeed in their violent campaign. The Somali people are yearning for peace which they deserve and they will be heard. The peace process will continue in Somalia despite the attempts by a violent minority to disrupt it.”

Mr Mahiga conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and to the Government of Somalia, and expressed his wishes for a quick recovery for the wounded.

Violence in Mogadishu has led to some 3,000 conflict-related casualties so far this year and uprooted around 200,000 people from the city, which has been the scene of ongoing clashes between Government troops and Islamist militant groups, including Al-Shabaab.

(C) NewsRoom America 2010