(ATR) Somalia's Olympic and football leaders die in a suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu, orchestrated by an al-Qaeda-linked militant group.
The blast took place at the reopening of Somalia’s National Theater and killed at least 10 people, according to media reports.
Reaction to the deaths of Aden Yabarow Wiish, Somali Olympic Committee president, and Said Mohamed Nur, Somali Football Federation president, from sport bodies was quick and pointed out the efforts of both men to improve the quality of life in Somalia.
The east African country has been plagued by violence, poverty and famine for decades.
In a statement, the IOC tells Around the Rings it was "shocked" to hear of the terror attacks.
"Both men were engaged in improving the lives of Somalian people through sport and we strongly condemn such an act of barbarism.
"Our thoughts are with the Somalian sporting community who lost two great leaders and with the families of the victims."
FIFA president Sepp Blatter also expressed his condolences in a statement, saying both men will be "sorely missed."
"I knew both men personally and can only say good things about their endless efforts to promote sport and football in their country," he said.
"At this very sad time, my thoughts and those of FIFA and the worldwide football community are with the families and loved ones of all the victims of this attack, and especially to the football and sport family of Somalia."
African Football Confederation president Issa Hayatou said Wednesday "is another black day for African football.
"It's a tragedy, as Somali football lost a great leader with grassroots vision who was activelycommitted to football development despite very challenging conditions."
Attempts to reach the SOC for comment were unsuccessful.
According to the Association of National Olympic Committees website, Wiish was reelected in March of 2009 to the SOC presidency.
The attack took place at 11 A.M. local time, with the suicide bomber reportedly being a teenage girl.
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Somalia’s prime minister, was delivering a speech at the theater when the attack took place.
Al-Shabaab, the Somalia-based cell of al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attack.
"We were behind the theater blast. We targeted the infidel ministers and legislators, and they were the casualties of today," Abdiasis Abu Musab, a military spokesman for al Shabaab told Reuters.
Written by Ed Hula IIIwith reporting from Mark Bisson.
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