CAPE TOWN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Monday strongly condemned the deadly terror attack in Somalia's capital of Mogadishu, which claimed the lives of more than 200 people.
"South Africa reiterates its condemnation of all forms of terrorism and violent extremism," said Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
The attack occurred on Saturday, killing at least 263 people, most of them innocent civilians, and wounding many others.
"It is particularly concerning that the attack was aimed indiscriminately at innocent civilians," Monyela said.
On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma has sent a message of condolences to the Somali government as well as the families of the deceased and wished all the injured speedy recoveries.
The South African government stands with the people of Somalia during this difficult time, Monyela said.
The South African government will continue to work with other member states of the African Union and the United Nations to explore long-term solutions to the scourge of terrorism and extremism, said Monyela.
Saturday's attack was the deadliest since an Islamist insurgency began in 2007.
In the attack, a truck bomb exploded outside a hotel at an intersection that is lined with government offices, restaurants and kiosks, flattening several buildings and setting dozens of vehicles on fire.
