MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia on Friday issued a strong condemnation of a devastating terrorist attack on a mosque in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, which left dozens dead and scores more wounded during Friday prayers.
The blast, which ripped through a mosque in the Tarlai neighborhood of Islamabad, claimed the lives of at least 31 people and injured 169 others, according to early reports. Most of the victims were civilians gathered for the weekly congregational prayer.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia extended its “deepest condolences” to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of those killed in the tragedy.
“Somalia strongly condemns all acts of violence and terrorism targeting civilians and places of worship,” the statement said. It further emphasized Mogadishu’s “full solidarity” with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to ensure peace, security, and social harmony.
The Somali government, which has long been on the frontlines of its own battle against domestic insurgency, noted that it shared the “pain and grief” of the Pakistani people. The statement concluded by reaffirming the necessity of international cooperation to eradicate the global threat of terrorism.
The attack comes amid a period of heightened security concerns in Pakistan, as authorities work to determine the perpetrators behind the assault on the religious site.
