The United States condemns "in the strongest terms" al-Shabaab's attack on the United Nations in Somalia Wednesday, National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said. "The attack targeted people and organizations working in partnership with the Somali Government to provide health services, clean water, sanitation, education, and economic opportunity – people striving to build a better future for the Somali people," Hayden said in a statement. "We commend the brave and swift response by the Somali security forces and the African Union Mission in Somalia, and send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of this heinous act." The United States remains a steadfast partner of the Somali people and their government as they work to build a safer, more prosperous future. We reiterate our strong support for the important work of the United Nations toward reaching that goal. Those seeking to derail Somalia's progress will not succeed," Hayden said.
