The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has condemned the Wednesday attack on a hotel in Somalia's capital Mogadishu.

"IGAD condemns in the strongest terms possible the despicable act of terror perpetrated by the extremist group Al-Shabaab at the Dayah Hotel that was in close proximity to the National Parliament in Mogadishu on January 25, 2017," said a statement from the East African bloc on Thursday.

The Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the two truck bomb explosions that have claimed many lives and injured scores of people, according to the statement.

"IGAD deeply regrets this tragic and unfortunate incident and yet again pledges its commitment to support its founding member in every way possible to achieve and maintain peace and security in Somalia through collective effort with the people and leaders," said the statement. 

source: Xinhua