Polish citizen confirmed dead in Somalian bomb blast
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
23.09.2015 15:32
Poland's ministry of foreign affairs has confirmed that at least one Polish citizen died as a result of an apparent terrorist attack in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu on Monday.
A damaged vehicle is seen at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, Somalia, 21 September 2015. EPA/SAID YUSUF WARSAME
The ministry noted that the victim was a humanitarian worker and businessman who held dual citizenship.
The ministry’s consular services are taking necessary actions in connection with the bombing, which took place outside Villa Somalia, the country's seat of government and presidential residence.
“We offer our deep sympathy to the relatives of the victims, and vigorously condemn all acts of terror,” Marcin Wojciechowski, press spokesman for the ministry, said in statement.
Wojciechowski discouraged Poles against travelling to Somalia, reiterating the ministry’s categorization that Poles already there should “leave immediately.”
Work is underway to confirm the identities of the dead, according to the statement. The whereabouts of a second Polish citizen are currently being investigated.
A suicide bomber apparently drove towards a group of dignitaries leaving a debate regarding the 2016 Somalian presidential election before detonating the explosives, killing at least eleven people.
Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which is linked with al-Qaida. It has carried out many attacks in the country in recent times. (ua/nh/rk)
Source: msz.gov.pl/BBC