MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the tragic death of one of its staff members during a hotel attack in Mogadishu on Friday night, its director has announced on Sunday.
The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his condolences and condemned the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left 30 others injured.
The assailants, belonging to the armed group al-Shabab, conducted a six-hour siege at the Pearl Beach hotel, a popular beachside establishment in Mogadishu.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to Twitter to express his grief, stating, “I’m heartbroken that we have lost a WHO staff member in the recent attack in #Mogadishu, #Somalia. My heartfelt condolences to their families and to everyone who lost a loved one. We condemn all attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.”
I’m heartbroken that we have lost a @WHO staff member in the recent attack in #Mogadishu, #Somalia. My heartfelt condolences to their families and to everyone who lost a loved one.
We condemn all attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 11, 2023
Al-Shabab has taken responsibility for the attack, marking another violent incident following their assault on an African Union base in Bulo Marer last month, where they killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers.
The assault at the Pearl Beach hotel has raised concerns among local residents about the effectiveness of existing security measures in preventing such attacks.
The people of Mogadishu are now demanding answers regarding the ability of the attackers to bypass heavily fortified security checkpoints and reach Liido Beach.
The Friday night attack underscores the ongoing influence of al-Shabab, despite their expulsion from major urban centers in Somalia. The extremist group continues to pose a threat, maintaining control over vast rural areas and conducting targeted attacks on both security forces and civilian targets, including within the capital city.