Special Report
An attack on the National Theater in the Somali capital by al-Shabaab underscores the need to support the interim national government, the White House said.
Al-Shabaab, al-Qaida's affiliate in Somalia, claimed responsibility for an attack Wednesday in Mogadishu that left at least 10 people dead, including members of Somalia's Olympic committee and soccer leaders.
"Al-Shabaab's attack on the newly reopened National Theater is another sign that it is standing in the way of Somalia's path to peace and stability and demonstrates why it is being rejected by the Somali people," the U.S. government said in a statement. "We remain committed to the people of Somalia and assisting them in countering al-Shabaab's violence and in returning peace to their country."
Mark Toner, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department, added that Washington remained committed to the African Union Mission in Somalia and to Somali national forces.
AU forces are supporting pro-government troops to expand the influence of the transitional Somali government.
Toner said the attack on the theater, recently reopened after more than 20 years, shows how al-Shabaab is hijacking national development.
"The fact that al-Shabaab chose this site for their attack shows their true stripes," he said.
World leaders at a London conference for Somalia in February said the country was turning the corner after nearly 20 years at war.
Source: United Press International (UPI)
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