US strongly condemns murderous attack on Somalia's presidential palace

The US strongly condemned Friday the "murderous" attack on the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia, in which several people were killed and wounded."The United States strongly condemns Al-Shabaab's attack today on the Villa Somalia Compound in Mogadishu," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said in a statement.She added "the United States commends the quick response of the Somali forces who, with AMISOM (the African Union Mission in Somalia) support, were able to secure Villa Somalia shortly after al-Shabaab launched its attacks." She stressed that "this murderous attack, targeting individuals and organizations that are working to provide the Somali people with governance, stability, and a better way of life, once again highlights what Al-Shabaab has proven time and again that it stands only for death and destruction and that Al-Shabaab is firmly opposed to the Somali peoples' efforts to build a more secure and prosperous future." She affirmed that the US will continue "to support the Somali people and their government as they rebuild their country," saying "those who stand in the way of Somalia's progress will not succeed."We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack, and wish the injured a speedy recovery," Harf remarked.