US condemns Al-Shabaab's terror attack on Somali parliament

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) - The United States on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly attack on the Somali parliament by the radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab, vowing continued support to eliminate the threat of the militant group.

At least nine people were killed and 16 others injured Saturday after a suicide car bomb went off outside the Somali parliament in Mogadishu followed by heavy exchanges of gunfire. Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"The United States strongly condemns today's al-Shabaab attack on the Somali Parliament," the US State Department said in a statement. "We extend our sympathies and condolences to those affected by this heinous act of terrorism, and commend Somali and African Union forces for their swift and courageous response."

The United States continues to stand firmly with the government of Somalia and the many international partners working to support its efforts to root out the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, and to build a more secure and prosperous future for the Somali people, the statement said.

"Cowardly acts such as these will not shake our resolve," it added.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida-linked Islamic militant group which was driven out of much of south and center of Somalia, has been launching terror attacks in the government-controlled areas.