New York, - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on attack on UN compound in Mogadishu, Somalia
The Secretary-General condemns and is outraged by today’s violent attack on the United Nations Common Compound in Mogadishu in which UN humanitarian and development workers reside and work. The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life in the UN family, its contractors and among Somalis. Among the fatalities at the UN compound, we can confirm at this time that among those killed are one international staff member, three contractors and four Somali security guards. A number of Somali civilians were also wounded and killed outside the compound. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those killed, injured and affected.

The Secretary-General expresses his sincere appreciation to the Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM for their immediate responses to secure the area and protect UN personnel. He also commends UN security guards who bravely engaged the assailants after they entered the compound following the detonation of a car bomb at its entrance.

Malicious terrorist attacks of this nature will not deter the United Nations or weaken its resolve to stand by the people and Government of Somalia as they work courageously to build peace in their country.