64 Killed in Bomb Attack on World Cup Revelers

Somali militants suspected in twin blasts
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 12, 2010 12:40 AM CDT
Updated Jul 12, 2010 4:40 AM CDT

At least 64 people were killed in twin blasts in Uganda targeting World Cup revelers. The explosions tore through a packed rugby club and a restaurant in the capital of Kampala as exuberant fans watched yesterday's final match. One American was among the dead. "I remember blacking out, hearing people screaming and running," said Kris Sledge, 18, another American who was wounded in the attack. The police inspector general said the bombs "definitely targeted World Cup crowds" and likely expatriates, reports the BBC.

The Somali militant group al-Shabab is suspected in the attack, believed to be launched in retaliation for Ugandan troop deployment in Mogadishu. If true, it would be the first time the group has struck outside Somalia. An al-Shabab commander in Mogadishu said he was "happy" about the attacks. President Obama called the explosions "deplorable and cowardly." Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed to help Uganda "bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice." (More Uganda stories.)

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