Iranian Red Crescent refutes claims Mogadishu facility was ransacked by locals Tuesday
The Mogadishu based Red Crescent Society of the Islamic Republic of Iran has refuted reports that its offices in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu were looted by gunmen and civilians Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in Mogadishu, the head of the agency Mujtaba Qassim said that reports of looting were unfounded and the compound is secure.
“As you can see I and co-workers are in the compound of the agency; no property was looted or damaged and all our workers are safe. We have not any seen crowd or armed men who came here to steal computers and other equipment contrary to media reports,” said Qassim.
He noted that he is still in Mogadishu safely even after Somalia cut diplomatic relations with Tehran.
“We are staying in Mogadishu especially our compound and Somali government has sent security forces to guard the compound,” added Qassim.
Meanwhile Somali government has deployed security force in the Iranian facility to guard the area until further notice, according National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia (NISA).
Goobjoog News reporter, Munasar Mohamed Abdi who visited the compound said that security forces were seen in and around the compound.
“I have not seen any damage and looting incident in the compound and I saw several security agents who were safeguarding the area” said Munasar.
The development comes after several media reports indicated armed locals had ransacked the building and carted away equipment and medical supplies.
The government of Somalia last week announced it was cutting diplomatic ties with Iran over what it termed as clandestine activities by Iranian embassy officials in Somalia in a move aimed at creating and financing armed groups.
In a statement dated 7th this month, the government of Somalia accused Iranian embassy officials of conducting what it termed as suspect missions in parts of the country without the consent of authorities with the aim of creating and funding terrorists groups.
“Iranian embassy officials regularly visit various parts of the country without informing the authorities in the country. Their aim is to create and finance terrorist groups as it has done in countries such as Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq. This is a violation of the Vienna convention and as result therefore Somalia is cutting ties with Iran,” read a statement in part.
