MOGADISHU, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations in Somalia on Friday condemned a mortar attack on an international airport in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, which killed a member of the UN Guard Unit Thursday night.

UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Somalia Catriona Laing said several mortar rounds landed inside the Aden Adde International Airport area, in which the UN compound is located.

"The UN Guard Unit plays an integral role in ensuring the safety and security of UN staff working in support of Somali peace- and state-building," Laing said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

The UN in Somalia said the mortar rounds damaged infrastructure in addition to the death of a UN Guard Unit member.

Al-Shabab extremist group which has engaged the government in almost daily attacks reportedly claimed responsibility for the latest attack on the heavily fortified facility.

"We condemn this act of violence, and our thoughts are with the family and colleagues of the victim during this difficult time," Laing said.

The UN called for those responsible to be brought to justice, and expressed its commitment to supporting the people and government of Somalia in their efforts to build peace and stability in the country.

Al-Shabab often stages gun and bomb attacks on government officials, Somali security forces, and African Union mission facilities to topple the internationally recognized government and impose its own brand of government on Somalia. Enditem

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