MOGADISHU, Somalia Sep 17 (Garowe Online) - Two suicide bombers drove their explosives-laden vehicles inside the compound of African Union peacekeepers (AMISOM) in the Somali capital Mogadishu Thursday, killing a top AMISOM commander among nine people, Radio Garowe reports.

The bombers drove two vehicles with United Nations insignia into the main AMISOM base near Aden Adde International Airport, where AMISOM soldiers reportedly "waved in" the would-be suicide bombers disguised as UN staff.

AMISOM sources confirmed at least nine deaths, including the deputy force commander of AMISOM, Burundian Gen. Juvenile Niyonguruza.

The African peacekeepers' top commander, Ugandan Gen. Nathan Mugisha, was wounded in the suicide bombing and sustained minor injuries, according to Ugandan media.

'Secret meeting'

Al Shabaab, an Islamist guerrilla group with alleged ties to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings.

An unidentified fighter who spoke for Al Shabaab told reporters that there was a "secret meeting" being held at the AMISOM base, with American, European and Somali officials present.

Citing a police official in Nairobi, the Associated Press reported that at least one American was transported to Kenya for medical treatment after being wounded in the Mogadishu blasts.

Earlier this week, American special forces raided a convoy of Al Shabaab trucks south of Mogadishu and reportedly killed a top Al Qaeda operative wanted in connection with the 1998 bombings of the U.S. embassies in East Africa.

Condemnation, more violence

Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake condemned the attacks and appealed for international assistance to help the Somali interim government to "fight terrorists."

Statements issued by the United Nations and the African Union also condemned the suicide bombings, with U.N. officials calling for "an investigation" into the bombers' use of U.N.-marked vehicles.

Meanwhile, street fighting and shelling continued in parts of Mogadishu overnight Wednesday and into Thursday, with at least 10 people killed in the violence.

At least 3 people were killed in a battle in Hodan district, after insurgents attacked a Somali government checkpoint last night.

Fighting in Howlwadaag and Medina districts reportedly killed at least 7 people and wounded 17 others, local sources reported Thursday.

Somalia has lacked an effective national government since the collapse of Gen. Barre's regime in 1991. Islamist fighters began an insurgency to overthrow the U.N.-backed interim government in 2007, with Al Shabaab spearheading the insurgency.

Currently, Al Shabaab controls much of Mogadishu and the south-central regions in Somalia, including the key towns of Kismayo, Baidoa, Marka and Jowhar.

Source: Garowe Online