East Africa bloc decries increased terror attacks in Somalia

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East Africa bloc said Friday it was dismayed by the recent wave of terror attacks in Somalia by Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, which has left several people dead and others injured.

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) said Al-Shabaab is bent on trying to destroy the gains that the people and Somali government have achieved through their indomitable spirit, hard work and optimism.

“IGAD condemns in the strongest terms possible the recent Al-Shabaab terror attacks on civilians carried out in Mogadishu and areas in the southern part of Somalia, and in which so many innocent citizens lost their lives and as many were injured within a span of two-week time,” the bloc said in a statement.

The regional bloc offered its heartfelt condolences to all those who have been affected by the terror attacks.

“May those who lost loved ones have the strength to withstand the pain and may those who sustained injuries recover speedily,” IGAD said.

The bloc, which comprises of Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti lauded the courage and bravery showcased by Somalia government soldiers in defending their territory, their government, and their people against the repeated attacks against the institutions of the country.

The regional bloc also appreciated the progress to the credit of the government made in bringing the country back to normalcy.

“IGAD, yet again, affirms its unwavering solidarity with and support to the government and people of Somalia,” the bloc said.

The militants have recently increased their attacks against African Union and Somali forces especially in Mogadishu and southern Somalia, which has seen a surge of attacks that resulted in the loss of several strategic towns although the militants mainly held those towns briefly.

The African Union Mission in Somalia and Somali forces backed by U.S. military have also intensified airstrikes in southern Somalia recently, resulting in the killing of several militants and some defections.