World Health Organization WHO has confirmed that Miss Nasra Hassan, a national female staff member, aged 27 years old was among the sixteen civilians killed in the complex attack on the Pearl Beach Hotel, Restaurant located in the Abdiaziz district of Mogadishu, Somalia.
According to the World Body in a statement released on Sunday, the attack which was carried out on June 9, 2023 resulted in the deaths of 16 innocent civilians, including a WHO national staff member while the tragic event also left more than 10 people injured.
WHO condemned this attack in strongest possible terms adding that this is appalling to lose a staff in such a senseless attack, saying Ms Nasra Hassan joined the WHO country office in Somalia to support the drought emergency response operations in Jubaland.
Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr Ahmed Al- Mandhari said, “We are appalled by the tragic loss of life in this senseless attack, including the death of Ms Nasra Hassan, a WHO national female staff member.
“Nasra, 27 years old, joined the WHO country office in Somalia to support the drought emergency response operations in Jubaland.
“She was known for her dedication, ambition and commitment among her colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences to Nasra’s family, as well as to the families and friends of all those who died during the attack,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari.
WHO is committed to continuing efforts to preserve health and respond to emergencies in Somalia, while affirmed that the safety and security of its staff is a paramount factor in ensuring ongoing life-saving response operations.
It was reported that seven Al-Shabaab militants launched the attack on Pearl Beach Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia, just before 8pm on Friday. The skirmish ended at around 2am after shootout between security forces and the militants, according to the Somali Police Force.
However, amidst the chaos, security forces valiantly intervened, managing to rescue over 80 guests during the intense six-hour siege that unfolded but killed scores of civilians on Friday night.
The report further said, three members of the security forces paid the ultimate price during the heroic rescue operation, sacrificing their lives to protect others. Their selfless bravery has been rightfully applauded.
The Pearl Beach hotel attack follows a recent incident where al-Shabab militants targeted Ugandan soldiers who were part of an African Union peacekeeping mission in the Lower Shabelle region, resulting in the loss of several lives.