Suicide Bombing Attack Against UN Compound in Somaliland

by Michael Bear · 2008-10-29 13:49:00 UTC
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[Footage of car bombing in Hargeissa]

Two UN staff died and six were critically wounded in an attack against the UNDP compound in Hargeissa, Somaliland this morning.

This was part of a wave of five almost simultaneous suicide attacks across northern Somalia, which altogether killed at least twenty-two people.

The video above shows one of the bombings in Hargeissa.  It includes graphic footage.

The UNDP compound, the Presidential Palace and an Ethiopian Consular office were attacked in Hargeissa, while two intelligence compounds were attacked in Bossasso, in the Puntland region.

According to the UN, "[t]he UNDP compound was hit by an explosion caused by a vehicle that had forced its way into the compound at approximately 10 a.m. local time."

To see the UN Secretary General's statement about the attacks, click here.

Overall, there have now been 32 aid workers killed in Somalia so far this year, including five since October 17th.

Suspicion immediately focused on the Shabaab - perhaps the most extreme of all Somali insurgent groups - who have denounced the ceasefire reached on Sunday between Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the insurgent / opposition group Alliance for the Reliberation of Somali.

Articles in both the New York Times and the LA Times offer further information about the attacks, while UN Dispatch explains why terrorists would want to target the UN.

This second video provides further footage.  It also includes graphic images. Both videos are from Patronus Analytical, an excellent blog looking at NGO security.

Michael Bear
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