United Nations News Centre - Top UN envoy in Somalia deplores deadly attack against Puntland forces

Special Representative Nicholas Kay.

 

5 December 2013 – The top United Nations envoy in Somalia has strongly condemned a violent and “cowardly” attack on Puntland government forces today that reportedly killed several people and injured dozens of others.

According to a news release issued by the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), a suicide car bomber targeted the forces from the semi-autonomous region of Puntland in the port city of Bosasso at approximately 11 a.m.

“Such cowardly acts will serve no purpose,” the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of UNSOM, Nicholas Kay, said. “We stand by the people of Puntland as they strive for stability and prosperity.”

Mr. Kay, who paid a three-day visit to Puntland last month, expressed his sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones and wished all those injured in the attack a quick recovery.

Puntland is in the midst of an electoral process that should lead to a new parliament this year and presidential elections in January 2014.

United Nations News Centre - Top UN envoy in Somalia deplores deadly attack against Puntland forces