WASHINGTON , October 29, 2008 — The United States condemned Wednesday a wave of suicide bombings in Somalia which it blamed on "a small minority of violent extremists."

"The United States condemns the terrorist attacks in Somaliland and Puntland," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement. "We offer our sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims."

Five suicide car bombs ripped through key targets Wednesday in northern Somalia , including UN offices and a presidential palace, killing 19 people and the five bombers, officials said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks in Somaliland and Puntland, which rattled a regional heads of state summit in Nairobi aimed at speeding up peace efforts in the southern and central parts of Somalia .

"These senseless attacks highlight the determination of violent extremists to undermine peace and stability throughout Somalia and the Horn of Africa," McCormack said.

"The United States continues to support the efforts of all those working to transform the region through a commitment to democratic and representative governance, economic recovery, and lasting peace and reconciliation," it said.

"The actions of a small minority of violent extremists bent on continued chaos and destruction will not be allowed to defeat the desire and aspirations of the Somali people for lasting peace and stability," it added.

Source: AFP

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