EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo:

I am deeply saddened by the attack carried out on Wednesday night by Al-Shabaab at a popular hotel and restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia, targeting civilians, mainly youth, as they were celebrating Iftar, claimed multiple lives. The attack manifests a blunt disrespect for the lives of the ordinary people. I commend the response of the security forces and recognise the many sacrifices they have already made to bring peace to Somalia. 

I offer my condolences to the victims and the families of those who have lost their lives and wish quick recovery of those injured.

The EU will continue supporting Somali Federal authorities in their efforts to build a safe and secure country. Somalia's population deserves to live in a peaceful country.

Distributed by APO on behalf of EU Delegation to Somalia.