Somalia's leader escapes attempt on life

The attack seemed certain to deepen tensions between Yusuf’s government and a federation of Islamic clerics that took control of the capital, Mogadishu, in June. The two groups have been battling for influence since, and U.S. officials worry that the Islamists could make Somalia a new haven and training ground for al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.

NAIROBI, Kenya – Somalia braced for increasing violence on Monday after gunmen attempted to assassinate the president of Somalia’s weak interim government.

The attack, in the town of Baidoa, where the interim government is headquartered, missed President Abdullah Yusuf, but killed 11 others, including the president’s brother.

The attack seemed certain to deepen tensions between Yusuf’s government and a federation of Islamic clerics that took control of the capital, Mogadishu, in June. The two groups have been battling for influence since, and U.S. officials worry that the Islamists could make Somalia a new haven and training ground for al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.

“It’s a terrible danger,” said Mario Raffaelli, Italy’s special envoy to Somalia.

Posted by Agustina