Turkey condemns Somali police academy attack

Turkey's Foreign Ministry denounced a suicide attack on the Police Academy in Somali’s capital Mogadishu that claimed the lives of at least 17 people.

"We strongly condemn this vicious terrorist attack that aims to undermine the security and stability of Somalia. We wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in the attacks, convey our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded," the ministry said on its website.

"Turkey will continue to stand by the Somali people and its Government in the fight against terrorism and support international efforts to this end," the Anadolu Agency cited the statement as saying.

The suicide bomber infiltrated police checkpoints and blew himself up on Thursday amid parade rehearsal for Dec. 20, the anniversary of Somalia's national police force.