Ethiopia Condemns Al Shabab’s Attack in Mogadishu

ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has condemned the latest terrorist attack at the center of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Sunday evening.

At least four people have been killed and dozens more injured in the attacks targeting the popular Villa Rays hotel near the presidential palace.

“Ethiopia condemns in the strongest terms the cowardly acts of Al-Shabab on hotel Villa Rose,” the Ministry of Foreign affairs said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry further stated that Ethiopia “conveys its deepest condolences to the families of the victims as well as to the government” of Somalia.

“The government of Ethiopia stands in solidarity with the government and people of the Federal Republic of Somalia at this difficult moment and expresses its readiness to closely work together with the government of Somalia in the fight against Terrorism,” the Ministry added.

The Villa Rays hotel, which has also been referred to as Villa Rose, is popular with government officials.

Witnesses told the BBC of hearing multiple explosions and heavy gunfire coming from the hotel near the presidential palace.

Several ministers have confirmed being rescued, reported the BBC. At least one minister, Mohamed Ahmed, is reported to have been injured while another, Environment Minister Adam Aw Hirsi, told reporters he had survived the attack.
The al-Qaeda affiliated group al-Shabab has said it carried out the attack.