Deaths as Somali rebels bomb AU HQ

Deaths as Somali rebels bomb AU HQ

Al Shabab said they expected the Somali government and AU trops to attack them after Ramadan [AFP]   At least 11 people including six African Union (AU) peacekeepers have been killed after two large car bombs exploded in the AU's headquarters in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. Seven more people were also killed and 18 wounded in gun battles that broke out after the blasts on Thursday, witnesses said. Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, an spokesman for rebel group al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attacks saying they were to avenge the death of Salah Ali Saleh Nabhan, a Kenyan-born al Qaeda suspect, who was killed in southern Somalia on Monday during a raid by US special forces. "We have got our revenge for our brother Nabhan. Two suicide car bombs targeting the AU base, praise Allah," Rage said. "It took place at noon on the 27th of Ramadan, the best blessing. We knew the infidel government and AU troops planned to attack us after the holy month. This is a message to them." 'Deafening thunder' Nabhan, 28, had been allied with al-Shabab, which the US accuses of being al Qaeda's proxy in Somalia. In depth  Profile: Sharif Ahmed  Inside Story: What next for Somalia  Riz Khan: Somalia - From bad to worse  Al-Shabab: Somali fighters undeterred  Somalia at a crossroads Witnesses said two vehicles with UN markings entered the coastal airport base of the 5,000-strong African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) mission - comprised of troops from Burundi and Uganda - unchallenged before blowing up. One witness said: "We thought they were real UN cars carrying white people, but moments later deafening thunder shook the ground," "The area was covered with flames and clouds of smoke." Nicolas Bwakira, the AU's special representative for Somalia, said in a statement: "At least two bombs exploded at the force headquarters at about midday ... causing injuries and damage to Amisom peacekeepers, facilities and equipment. "Despite this barbaric attack, the African Union remains resolute in its commitment to support the Somali people and the ... government in their peace and reconciliation efforts." Hostage demands The bombings came just hours after al-Shabab issued demands in return for the release of a French security consultant the group is holding hostage, including an immediate end to French support for Somalia's fragile government. The French hostage is one of two security consultants kidnapped by gunmen in Mogadishu in July. Al Shabab said the attacks were revenge for the killing of Nabhan [AFP]   His colleague managed to escape on August 26. In return for his release, al-Shabab demanded the "immediate cessation of any political or military support to the apostate government of Somalia and the withdrawal of all its security advisers in Somalia", the rebels said in a statement. They demanded the withdrawal of AU troops supporting President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's administration and the departure of French warships trying to stamp out piracy in Somali waters. The insurgents' statement also called for the release of mujahidin prisoners in countries to be named later. Fighting in Somalia has killed more than 18,000 civilians since the start of 2007 and left another 1.5 million homeless. Thursday's attack was the worst on AU peacekeepers since 11 Burundians were killed and 28 wounded in February by two suicide bombers who infiltrated their base.

Source: Agencies