Uncle Sam, where are you? This question should be the one many are currently asking in Mogadishu – Somalia. Today, the African Union force has been hit in Somalia in what can be described as the deadliest attack ever on this UN approved mission. It has been so hard that it has lost its deputy Commandant. The Genesis? The American raid behind Al Shaabab lines last Tuesday. Al Shaabab has claimed responsibility of the attack.  

	Two suicide bombers blew their trucks within the AU peace keeping Force in Somalia positions. This is a retaliation on loses incurred by the Al Qaeda linked militia group to avenge the killing of Saleh Ali Saleh. Al Shaabab had vowed to hit hard on Americans and their allies.
Gen. Niyonguruza and Gen Mugisha/New Vision

11 Peace keepers are feared dead and many other somali civilians. 15 badly injured were flown to Nairobi in four AMREF air ambulances, three from Nairobi and one from Entebbe in Uganda.

Talking to the BBC on the line from Kampala, the AU Force in Somalia spokesman, Lt. Col. Felix  Kulayigye confirmed the incident and acknowledged that the AMISOM Commander, Maj. Gen. Nathan Mugisha from Uganda was injured but his deputy, Maj. Gen. Juvenal Niyonguruza from Burundi lost his life. Niyonguruza  had completed his tour of duty in Somalia a few days ago. General Mugisha is among the casualities flown to Nairobi for treatment.

The attackers used two previously stolen AMISOM trucks still bearing UN logos at their side and negotiated their way through the main gate without hassle.  Inside the compound, one truck headed straight to the fuel reservoir and the other to the dispensary before blowing the load of explosives inside them. A few shot in the air were heard thereafter before the AU contingent taking position outside the fortified compound.

According to eye witnesses, the blast was so huge that almost everyone in Mogadishu could hear it. It’s reported that not only Peace Keepers lost their lives. Civilians been attended at the AMISOM clinic were also among the causalities. AMISOM is entirely composed of Ugandans and Burundians troops. Despite having promised to send their troops in Somalia, other countries like Rwanda are yet to flag off their men.  

What remains to be seen is the reaction of the most powerful country in the world, the United States of America. With the latest development, it’s unclear if Americans will find their way in Somalia again but one thing is sure the US is going to put pressure other African countries to send their troops and put an end to the Al Shaabab era.

HAPAMEDIA