MOGADISHU: The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the killing of 16 innocent civilians, including one of its national female staff members in an attack on a hotel and restaurant in the Abdiaziz district of Mogadishu, Somalia, on 9 June.
The attack on Pearl Beach Hotel and Restaurant also left more than 10 people injured.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari said: “We are appalled by the tragic loss of life in this senseless attack, including the death of Ms Nasra Hassan, a WHO national female staff member. Nasra, 27, joined the WHO country office in Somalia to support the drought emergency response operations in Jubaland. She was known for her dedication, ambition and commitment among her colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences to Nasra’s family, as well as to the families and friends of all those who died during the attack.”
“We condemn in the strongest terms this heinous attack on a hotel that claimed so many lives, including the precious life of one of our dearest colleagues Nasra. We condemn all attacks on innocent civilians and humanitarian aid workers and express our deepest condolences to the family members of all those who were killed in this attack,” said Dr Malik Mamunur, WHO Representative in Somalia.
WHO is committed to continuing efforts to preserve health and respond to emergencies in Somalia.
The organization affirms that the safety and security of its staff is a paramount factor in ensuring ongoing life-saving response operations.
