Twin Uganda bombs kill 64 at World Cup parties

KAMPALA — Twin bomb blasts ripped through crowds watching the World Cup final in Kampala, killing 64 and wounding scores in attacks blamed on Al Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia, officials said Monday.No group claimed responsibility for the carnage at a Kampala sports bar and an Ethiopian restaurant but Uganda pointed at Shebab insurgents in Somalia, where Uganda has thousands of troops deployed in an African Union mission.At least one American was among those killed in the explosions, which US President Barack Obama swiftly condemned as "cowardly" and came days ahead of the annual African Union summit in Kampala."We have 64 dead and 65 injured. The nationalities of all the fatalities will be released later," national police spokeswoman Judith Nabakooba said.Ugandan government spokesman Fred Opolot said police were trying to determine if suicide bombers took part."While there is evidence to suggest that there were suicide bombers, at the same time it is thought that the bombs were under some chairs," he told reporters.Ugandan security cordoned off the scene of the blasts as a rescue effort that lasted through the night continued Monday.A US embassy spokeswoman confirmed one American was among the dead and an AFP correspondent saw at least three wounded US citizens at the city's main Mulago hospital, where dozens were rushed in for treatment."We just wanted to watch the World Cup. Unfortunately we went to the Ethiopian village," said Chris Sledge, an 18-year-old US national who suffered serious injuries to his legs and a bruised eye."I feel OK. I'm going to need surgery," he said.The attacks, which dampened the party mood around the first World Cup in Africa, drew a barrage of international condemnation."The president is deeply saddened by the loss of life resulting from these deplorable and cowardly attacks, and sends his condolences to the people of Uganda and the loved ones of those who have been killed or injured," US National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer said.The United States was in contac

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