Somali Islamist Rebels Attack U.N. Base

Somali Islamist Rebels Attack U.N. Base, 22 Dead -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Islamist militants carried out a deadly assault on the main U.N. compound in the Somali capital on Wednesday, dealing a blow to fragile security gains that have allowed a slow return of foreign aid workers and diplomats.

The assault, claimed by Islamist group al Shabaab, began before midday when a car bomb exploded outside the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) base. Rebel gunmen forced their way into the compound and fought with security guards.

The African Union (AU) peacekeeping force, which sent soldiers and armored vehicles to the compound, which includes several buildings, said it was under the control of friendly troops after a gun fight that lasted more than 90 minutes.

Interior Minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled said four foreign U.N. security staff and four local guards were killed in the gun battle that left seven insurgent fighters dead.

An ambulance service official said his crew carried away seven dead civilians, bringing the total dead to 22.

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More News On Somali Islamist Rebels Attacking The UN Base In Mogadishu

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At least 14 killed in attack on U.N. headquarters in Somalia -- CNN
Al-Qaeda bombs UN compound in Somalia, killing 15 -- The Telegraph
UN officials condemn deadly attack on world body’s compound in Somali capital -- UN News Centre