France condemns attack near Mogadishu airport in Somalia

France condemned on Monday an attack a day earlier against the airport in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, while praising the response of local Somali security forces and African Union troops deployed in that country.
At least four people were killed in the suicide attack and ensuing battle at the airport, an attack that has been claimed by the Islamist extremist Al-Shebab group.
“France condemns the attack carried out January 4 near the Mogadishu airport, which caused the lives of numerous Somalis,” the Foreign Ministry said here.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” the French statement said.
“France praises the action of the Somali police and armed forces, as well as that of the African Union mission in Somalia, to restore peace and security,” Paris said.
The Foreign Ministry also said that France “stands at the side of the Federal Government of Somalia in its fight against terrorism.”