Ban Ki-moon Condemns Attack on Peacekeepers in Somalia, Promises UN Support

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon conveys his sincere condolences to the families of the peacekeepers killed in the al-Shabab's attack on Thursday. He reaffirms the UN support to Somalia.

UNITED NATIONS, December 26 (Sputnik) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attack of al-Shabab militant group on peacekeepers' base in Somalia on Thursday and reaffirmed the UN support to the country Friday.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's attack on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) base camp in the Mogadishu International Airport… The Secretary-General conveys his sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and wishes a swift recovery for the injured," a statement published on the UN website read.

Ban Ki-moon added that the UN will further "support the Government and people of Somalia in their continuing journey toward peace and stability".

On Thursday, al-Shabab militant group attacked the base of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Mogadishu, reportedly targeting the Christmas party there. Three AMISOM soldiers and a civilian contractor were killed, according to the mission's statement released on Thursday.

AMISOM is a peacekeeping mission of the African Union that helps establish security in Somalia and assists the country's government in conducting operations against al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab is an Islamic fundamentalist group linked with al-Qaeda that intends to create an Islamic state in Somalia. The group persecutes non-Muslims, advocates strict interpretation of sharia law and attempts to eliminate western influence in the region. It is believed to be behind most of the terrorist attacks in the country.