US condemns deadly bombing in Somalia

The U.S. is condemning a deadly truck bombing in Mogadishu and praising first responders and other Somalis who rushed to the scene to help victims.

“The United States condemns in the strongest terms the October 14 terrorist attacks that killed and injured scores of innocent Somalis in Mogadishu,” the U.S. Mission to Somalia said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who perished and wish a speedy recovery to individuals injured in the blasts. The United States lauds the heroic response of the Somali security forces and first responders and Somali citizens who rushed to the aid of their brothers and sisters.”

{mosads}Police and hospital sources told The Associated Press that at least 189 people were killed and more than 200 people were injured in the blast. The Somalia’s government blamed al-Shabab, which is linked with al Qaeda, for the attack, according to the news service.

“Such cowardly attacks reinvigorate the commitment of the United States to assist our Somali and African Union partners to combat the scourge of terrorism to promote stability and prosperity for the Somali people and their regional neighbors,” the U.S. mission said.