Media release
31 October 2008
Somalia Bombings
The Australian Government strongly condemns the terrible bomb attacks on the United Nations Development Programme and other offices in Somaliland and Puntland.
Australia deplores the callous destruction and disregard for human life, especially when it is targeted at those working to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of those affected.
There are no reports to date of Australians being involved in these incidents.
The Australian High Commission in Nairobi will continue to seek information about whether any Australians were affected.
The seriousness of these incidences underlines how important it is that all Australians consider the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's travel advice.
The travel advisory for Somalia strongly advises Australians not to travel to Somalia because of widespread armed conflict, very high threat of terrorist attack against western interests and dangerous levels of violent crime.
The travel advice also encourages Australians in Somalia to leave if it is safe to do so, due to the extremely dangerous security situation, the breakdown in law and order and the risk of kidnapping.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555