UN denounces attack on Somalia airport

The United Nations condemned a mortar assault on an international airport in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, which left an unidentified number of people wounded on Tuesday.

"I condemn this Al-Shabaab mortar attack on the airport facility in Mogadishu. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack. Despite such acts of violence, Somalia's international partners remain committed to stand by the people of Somalia, and continue supporting the advancement of the country," James Swan, UN special representative for Somalia, said.

Swan confirmed that Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group operating in Somalia, has claimed responsibility for the attack. He added that no United Nations facilities were affected and no United Nations personnel were casualties of the mortar attack. The airport compound houses the offices of the UN and several Western diplomatic missions in Somalia.

Swan said six mortar rounds landed within the perimeter of the Aden Adde International Airport, which also hosts the African Union Mission's Somalia headquarters.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the government and impose its own brand of religion-driven government on Somalia.