Fifteen Reported Dead In Attack On UN Compound In Somalia

June 19, 2013

Somali officials say 15 people have been killed in an attack on a UN compound launched by militants from the Al-Shabaab Islamic group.

Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon condemned the June 19 attack, calling it "senseless and despicable."

A suicide bomber blasted open the gates of the compound then a group of armed men entered the compound and a 90-minute gunbattle ensued.

Three foreigners in the compound, two security guards and three civilians, as well as seven of the militants were killed.

The UN compound is located near Mogadishu's airport, whcih also serves as a base for an African peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia.

A spokesman for Ban Ki-moon said the UN chief was outraged by the attack.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP