Murder In Mogadishu

The death toll has risen to more than 100 men, women and children killed in the suicide bombing of a government compound in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. As government workers were going about their business and students and their parents lined up outside the Ministry of Education to register for scholarships offered by the Turkish government, a truck loaded with drums of fuel exploded on the busy street. It was the deadliest single bombing carried out in the campaign by al-Shabaab insurgents, some of whom have links to the al-Qaeda terror network, to overthrow the country's internationally supported Transitional Federal Government, or TFG.

The United States strongly condemns the vicious attack, the latest in a serious of actions victimizing the Somali people. The group is threatening more attacks even as dead and wounded are being tallied. And at a time when the world is focused on helping Somalis suffering from a relentless drought and famine, al-Shabaab threatens and kills aid workers, and disrupts delivery of urgently needed food, water and other relief.

Our condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones of those killed or injured in the attack. The TFG has not requested U.S. support in investigating the attack, but should it make such a request we will do everything we can to assist.

The United States is committed to standing with all Somalis who seek peace as they work toward stability in Somalia and throughout the region.