AFP/Graphic   –   A map of Somalia locating attacks in Hargeysa and Bossaso. Britain condemned Wednesday the wave of suicide   …

LONDON , October 29, 2008 – Africa minister Mark Malloch-Brown condemned Wednesday a wave of suicide car bomb attacks in breakaway regions of Somalia including on a UN compound, saying they were the work of "terrorists".

He was speaking after five suicide car bombs ripped through key targets in the northern Somali regions of Somaliland and Puntland, killing 19 people as well as the five bombers, officials said.

"I was shocked to hear of the bomb attacks on the (United Nations Development Programme) offices and other targets in Hargeisa, Somaliland and also in Puntland," said Malloch-Brown.

"It is abhorrent that the UN, which is working hard to improve the lives of the people in that troubled region, has been targeted again by terrorists. Our thoughts are with all those affected and their families," he added.

The self-declared state of Somaliland was rocked as three simultaneous blasts ripped through its de facto capital Hargeysa. The presidential palace, Ethiopia 's diplomatic compound and the offices of the UNDP were all hit.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the apparently coordinated bombings but US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Jendayi Frazer said they bore the markings of Al-Qaeda.

Source: AFP

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