Hiiraan Online
Friday, September 18, 2009
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MOGADISHU (HOL) - The spokesperson for AMISOM troops in Mogadishu Mr. Gaffel Nkolodosa has told reporters that the death toll on AMISOM troops base in Mogadishu has increased to 21.The attack, claimed by Al-Shabaab, the most powerful opposition group to Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) hit the African Union's main base in Mogadishu with two suicide car bombs on Thursday. Initial reports said that at least nine people were killed including the deputy force Commander, Maj. Gen. Juvenile Niyoyunguriza. The attack showed Al-Shabaab’s ability to strike at the heart of the peacekeeping mission.
The spokesperson said the 21 people who died include 17 AMISOM troops and four Somali civilians who were receiving free medical help at the centre.
The spokesperson added that 40 other were wounded in the attack some of whom received treatment at the hospital in the base while others with more life threatening injuries were flown to Nairobi, Kenya.
Al-Shabaab launched the attack after saying they would avenge the killing on Monday of one of the continent's most wanted al Qaeda suspects in a helicopter raid by U.S. commandos.