UN urges long-term support of victims in Somalia amid increased attacks

MOGADISHU, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations senior envoy in Somalia on Sunday called for lasting support for the victims in Somalia amid a surge in attacks by al-Shabab militants across the country.

James Swan, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia, urged that the victims and their families be provided both immediate and longer-term support.

"The UN stands in solidarity with all Somali victims and survivors of terrorism as they heal from their trauma, along with their families and communities," Swan said in a statement issued in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, to mark the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.

He said the voices of survivors must be heard and acknowledged, and their rights upheld, noting that the weekend's terrorist violence in Mogadishu is a stark reminder of just how vital this is.

The UN envoy's statement came after the Somali security forces ended a 30-hour siege at Hayat Hotel which had been attacked by al-Shabab militants.

A police officer said the specialized security forces neutralized the attackers who had detonated explosives and blasted their way inside the popular hotel, a hangout for civilians, government officials, and lawmakers.

"The security forces used heavy weapons and explosives to kill all the attackers. The scene has been quiet for some time now and there is now gunfire coming from the hotel. The siege has ended," the police officer who declined to be identified told Xinhua on Saturday night.

However, the residents said they could still hear sounds of gunfire inside the Hayat Hotel on Sunday morning.

More than ten people have been killed and several others, including security officers, wounded in the attack.