KAMPALA, Uganda – An al-Qaida-linked Somali militant group claimed responsibility yesterday for twin bombings in Uganda that killed 74 people watching the World Cup final on TV, saying the militants would carry out attacks “against our enemy” wherever they are. It was the group’s first international attack.The claim by al-Shabab, whose militants are trained by militant veterans of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, raises concerns about insecurity in East Africa and has broader implications for global security. Al-Shabab has in the past recruited Somali-Americans to carry out suicide bombings.“We will carry out attacks against our enemy wherever they are,” said Sheik Ali Mohamud Rage, a militant spokesman in Mogadishu. “No one will deter us from performing our Islamic duty.”Ugandan officials had said earlier that they suspected the Somali group was involved. One of the targets was an Ethiopian restaurant – a nation despised by the militants. The blasts came two days after an al-Shabab commander called for attacks in Uganda and Burundi, two nations that contribute troops to the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.The attacks on two soft targets filled with civilians raised concerns about the capabilities and motives of al-Shabab, which the United States State Department has declared a terrorist organisation. Analysts said other countries such as Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti and Ethiopia – named directly by the militant group – may also face new attacks. (AP)
