Mortars fired at Somalia’s Mogadishu airport- sources

[Deeq A.]

At least three mortars were fired at Mogadishu’s international airport on Sunday, injuring six people, a diplomatic source said.

The airport serves also as compound for several embassies as well as the United Nations and African Union missions.

A U.N. source in Mogadishu confirmed the attack but could not say how many people had been injured.

Residents living in the outskirts of the airport compound told Reuters they saw several mortars being fired.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, James Swan, condemned today’s indirect fire attack on the United Nations and AMISOM compounds in the Somali capital.

At about 1:15 (local time) this afternoon, mortar rounds landed inside the UN and AMISOM facilities, injuring several people..

“I am appalled by this blatant act of terrorism against our personnel, who work together with the Somali people on humanitarian, peace building, and development issues. Thankfully, the majority of our staff is unhurt. I wish our wounded colleagues a full recovery from their injuries,” said Mr. Swan.

“There is no justification for such despicable acts of violence, and the United Nations remains determined to support Somalia on its path to peace, stability and development.”