276 killed in deadliest attack in Somalia’s history

Wednesday, 18/10/2017 17:22
At least 276 people were killed and around 300 others injured in the most powerful bomb blast ever seen in Somalia’s capital.

(Photo: AFP)

"Somalia Federal government confirmed that 276 people were killed in the blast and 300 wounded were admitted at the different hospitals in Mogadishu," the country's Ministry of Information said.

“There is still a national rescue operation" under way, the ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be "national mourning and prayers for the victims" in the coming days.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said four volunteers with the Somali Red Crescent Society were among the dead.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed declared three days of mourning and joined thousands of people who responded to a desperate plea by hospitals to donate blood for the wounded victims. "I am appealing all Somali people to come forward and donate," he said.

World leaders from the United States, Britain, Canada and France strongly condemned the bombing. The US condemned the bombing "in the strongest terms" in a statement released by the State Department.

Washington "will continue to stand with the Somali government, its people, and our international allies to combat terrorism and support their efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity," the statement added./.

Compiled by BTA

RELATED NEWS

Comment
FullName
Email
Contents

/

Confirm