U.N. Slams Suicide Raids In Breakaway Somali Regions
October 31, 2008

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Thursday sharply condemned the wave of suicide attacks that killed at least 23 people in two breakaway Somali regions.

The 15-member council adopted a non-binding, British-drafted statement that "condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks" in the towns of Hargeysa and Bosasso Wednesday.

It stressed the need "to bring the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urges all states to cooperate actively with the authorities of Somalia in this regard."

The council reaffirmed that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestation constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable."

Meanwhile, investigations were underway to identify the perpetrators of Wednesday's bombings, which drew international condemnation and came as regional leaders gathered in Nairobi in a bid to boost peace efforts in Somalia.

At least 20 people were killed in addition to the three bombers when three suicide car bombs struck Hargeysa, the capital of breakaway Somaliland.

The simultaneous attacks struck the presidential palace, the United Nations Development Program's compound -- which housed five other UN agencies -- and Ethiopia's diplomatic representation.

Residents said thousands of police and soldiers were patrolling the streets and setting up checkpoints.

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Source: The Associated Press