UN mission head condemns bombings in Somalia

A "ruthless" deadly attack near the airport in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, this Tuesday has been condemned by the senior UN official in the country.

The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the twin car bombings which killed at least a dozen people.

The head of the UN's mission in Somalia, Michael Keating, said the "horrific incident" was a "fresh example of the extremists' desperate attempts to disrupt political progress."

Somalia is due to hold limited elections later this year.

Mr. Keating said neither the Somali authorities nor the UN will be deterred from moving forward.

He added that "the overwhelming majority" of the country's people have rejected terrorist tactics and the use of violence to achieve political objectives.

Mr. Keating extended condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the attack.

He also wished a speedy recovery to the survivors.

SOURCE: Dianne Penn, United Nations.