MOGADISHU, Somalia Aug 20 (Garowe Online) - Mohamed "Dheere" Omar Habeb, the mayor of Mogadishu, launched scathing accusations against key clan figures and an independent radio broadcaster Monday as attacks continued in the capital.

A senior district official barely escaped a roadside blast that tore through a part of his vehicle midday today, officials said.

Abdullahi Mohamed Roble, district commissioner of Karan, one of the quieter areas of Mogadishu, said no one was wounded in the attack.

Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed Dheere

"Police know the suspect," Mr. Roble told reporters, but went on to add that the suspect fled authorities minutes after the explosion.

Tens of people converged on the Karan district offices to show their displeasure with attacks in their neighborhood. Mr. Roble, who addressed the demonstrators, urged them to be vigilant and to report suspicious activity to police.

An explosion near the venue of the Somali National Reconciliation Conference wounded at least three bystanders including a young student, witnesses said.

A black bag full of explosives was the source, which was intended to blow up a police patrol vehicle as it swooshed by, according to sources.

In a separate attack near SOS hospital, five grenades hurled at a police convoy missed their mark and instead wounded two civilians who were rushed away for medical attention.

"Remnants of the Islamic Courts, Mohamed Hassan Haad and Ahmed Dirie who claim to be Hawiye clan elders but represent no one are responsible for attacks in Mogadishu," Mayor Mohamed Dheere said today at a ceremony where police showcased weapons confiscated in the last 48 hours of operations.

The mayor of Mogadishu also accused the independent HornAfrik radio station of fabricating news and exaggerating reports on refugees.

Mr. Haad and Mr. Dirie belong to a group of Hawiye clan elders who have refused to participate at the ongoing reconciliation conference.

"These men will either die or flee to Asmara like [Islamic] Courts leaders," said Mayor Dheere.

The aforementioned Hawiye elders issued a strong statement later today condemning the Mogadishu mayor's comments, and saying that he has "threatened their lives."

"The Hawiye Cultural and Unity Council does not throw bombs and such language is defamation and an excuse. At the same time, Mohamed Dheere will be responsible for the 116 members of the [Hawiye] Council if anything happens to one of them," the statement read.

Mr. Dirie, who is spokesman for the Hawiye Council, said the elders' group condemns the violent people who have killed many innocent, worthy civilians in Mogadishu. He rejected that the elders are responsible for the violence, saying that they are "elders for peace, not for war."

"We will never accept for Ethiopian troops to remain inside Somalia and they must leave in the quickest time possible," Dirie said.

Answering a question as to why he didn't flee Mogadishu like some elders, Dirie said: "It is not possible for me to flee the country because of the invading enemy. If they kill me, then I will be a Somali nationalist who died for his country and people."

Source: Garowe Online