MOGADISHU, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. mission in Somalia on Saturday condemned explosion at a stadium that killed five football fans and injured more than ten others in the port town of Barawe on Thursday.
The U.S. Mission in Somalia said the horrific incident shows desperate attempts by the terror group al-Shabab to instill fear in the youth who are enjoying their lives.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," said the mission in its twitter post.
The Al-Qaida allied militant group, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the explosion, which occurred in the southwestern town of Barawe after a bomb detonated in a football stadium.
"Sports is regarded as a viable tool to promote a healthy and peaceful society. Somalia strongly condemns the deliberate and cowardly attack targeted on soccer fans in the Somali port town of Barawe," the U.S. mission said.
Bashir Mohamed Yusuf, Barawe Town's deputy commissioner, told reporters on Friday that the explosion was caused by improvised explosive device planted in the football pitch.
"We can confirm that five people were killed and more than 10 others were injured by the explosion which targeted footballers and fans at the stadium," Yusuf said.
The extremist group said its fighters killed four foreign troops and government soldiers in the blast that disrupted the soccer match.
