Somalia Expresses Solidarity with Qatar Following Deadly Ras Laffan Gas Facility Blast

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has expressed solidarity with Qatar following a deadly explosion at a gas facility in the Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the Gulf state’s most important energy hubs.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation conveyed its support to the government and people of Qatar following the incident.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its full solidarity and support for the brotherly State of Qatar,” the ministry said, extending condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

The statement follows an explosion at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan on Sunday night that killed at least 13 people and injured 66 others, according to Qatari authorities.

Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi described the blast as a technical accident, saying there was no indication of sabotage or hostile activity. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

Ras Laffan is home to the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility and plays a central role in global energy supplies. Qatari officials said the incident would not affect the country’s gas exports, although operations at the affected facility remain suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

Somalia and Qatar maintain close diplomatic relations, with Doha serving as a key partner in development, humanitarian assistance and infrastructure projects in Somalia.

The Somali government reiterated its support for Qatar and expressed hope for the well-being of all those affected by the tragedy.