Abul Gheit calls for Arab, international support for Somalis's security institutions

CAIRO– 16 October 2017: Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Abul Gheit has expressed shock and sadness over the killing of a large number of people in twin bomb blasts in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday.

Arab League spokesman Mahmoud Afifi said in press statements Monday that Abul Gheit expressed solidarity with Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo and his government in this crucial stage

He expressed support for the efforts exerted by the Somali government to defeat Al Shabab organization and other terrorist groups, pointing out that Abul Gheit called for intensifying Arab and international support for Somalis's security institutions.

The spokesman welcomed the statement issued by the Security Council which condemned the bombing and backed efforts exerted to achieve security and stability in the African country.

The death toll from the explosions rose to more than 231 as the attack was one of the deadliest in the recent history of the country beset by insurgency.


The first blast happened near the Safari Hotel, close to Somalia’s Foreign Ministry, police said.

The second explosion hit the city’s Madina district hours later, according to police.