UN chief condemns attack in Somalia's Galkayo

Antonio Guterres

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday strongly condemned the attack that took place in Galkayo on Friday, which resulted in heavy casualties.

Through a statement attributable to his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, the UN chief extended his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

He hoped that the perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice, the statement said.

The secretary-general reiterated the full commitment of the United Nations to support the people and government of Somalia in their fight against terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime toward building a stable, peaceful and prosperous country.

At least 10 people were reportedly killed on Friday and more than 10 others were wounded when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a stadium in Galkayo town in the Mudug region of central Somalia, ahead of a planned address by Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Roble.