MOGADISHU, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Thursday condemned al-Shabab for its mortar attacks Wednesday on Aden Abdulle International Airport in the capital, Mogadishu, and nearby residential neighborhoods.
These indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilians underscore al-Shabab's blatant disregard for human life and expose the group's desperation in the face of relentless pressure from Somali security forces and international partners, said Sivuyile Bam, deputy special representative of the chairperson of the African Union Commission and acting head of AUSSOM, in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
"We stand firmly in solidarity with the government and people of Somalia in their pursuit of lasting peace and security," Bam said.
The AU mission did not say how many people were killed or wounded in the attacks. The airport was targeted before by al-Shabab.
Residents nearby said several rounds also hit the heavily fortified Halane base inside Aden Adde International Airport that houses AUSSOM headquarters, the United Nations and other international agencies.
AUSSOM extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
Al-Shabab was driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, but the terror group is still capable of conducting attacks, targeting government installations, hotels, restaurants and public places. ■
