PUNTLAND: US Condemns Attack on Somalia Hotels

The United States says it strongly condemns the recent al-Shabab attack on two hotels and an African Union force position in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

At least 16 people were killed in the attacks on the Weheliye and Siyad hotels on Friday.

Mortar rounds were also fired Friday at Mogadishu’s former football stadium, which now serves as a key AU base. No casualties were reported in that attack.

A U.S. State Department statement Sunday said “al-Shabab once again has demonstrated its brutality and its complete rejection of a Somali society free of violence and oppression.”

It added “the United States remains committed to working with the Somali people, their government, and international partners to continue forward in progress, prosperity and stability.”

The militant group has been trying for years to overthrow the Somali government and establish a strict Islamic state.

Somali soldiers and troops from the African Union’s peacekeeping force have had success in pushing al-Shabab from Somalia’s major cities, but the group still controls other areas and continues to launch attacks.