MOGADISHU– The United Nations Mission in Somalia ( UNSOM) has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack at Pearl beach hotel which is located within the vicinity of Liido beach in the capital Mogadishu on Friday.
In a statement carried on its Twitter handle on Saturday, UNSOM conveyed its condolences to the people who lost their lives and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.
The @UN in #Somalia condemns the deadly #AlShabaab attack on the Pearl Hotel in #Mogadishu on Friday which led to civilian casualties, including a @WHOSom staff member, and wishes a speedy recovery for the injured. The #UN stands resolutely with all #Somalis against #terrorism. pic.twitter.com/hlS3jPpJzK
— UNSOM (@UNSomalia) June 10, 2023
The World organization also confirmed that the World Health Organisation in Somalia lost one of its staff members in the attack but reiterated its unwavering commitment to getting rid of Al-Shabab menace in the East African Nation.
Nine people including members of the security forces were killed in the Pearl Beach siege which lasted for about seven hours.
According to a statement from the Somali Police the attack which started at 7:55pm local time involved seven militants who were later naturalized by combined special forces of the Somali Police led by the Turkish – trained Haramacad unit.
The Statement added that 84 people had been rescued including children, women and elders noting that the attack was ended at 2:am.
Videos taken from the scene showed people running as heavy gunshots and explosions rented the air as ambulances and medical team pitch camp at the scene.
•Medical team and ambulances on standby at the site of the Pearl beach hotel and restaurant -a beachfront hotel which is under Al-Shabab attack in the capital #Mogadishu.
•Security forces continue with operations inside the hotel.
•Civilians & government officials rescued. pic.twitter.com/k587JhRrEX— Suleiman Koronto (@SuleimanSabdow2) June 9, 2023
Al- Shabab militant in a press statement claimed responsibility for the attack saying they killed 29 people in the attack however no independent confirmation of to their claim.
Government forces have in recent days beefed up security in the capital which led to the seizure of arsenal and others crude weapons .
However, the city has not been short of attack as an Improvised Explosive Device ( IED) detonated on Friday morning causing minimal casualties.
Somalia is slowly humming from three decades of conflict and chaos, but is contending with a blood thirsty Islamist insurgents who are trying to destabilise the Horn of Africa Nation.
Al-Shabaab usually targets government officials, security installations and popular joints and hotels.
