Islamists suspected of killing more than 64 World Cup fans in Uganda

Three bombs exploded around 10:30 p.m. in crowds of football fans who had gathered to watch the World Cup final in Kampala, Uganda yesterday. At least 64 people were killed in at least three separate bombings, including one at an Ethiopian restaurant and one at a rugby field with the game on a large outdoor screen. Ugandan officials suspect al-Shabab, a militant Islamic group from nearby Somalia. Al-Shabab, which wrestles with a weak government for control of neighbouring Somali, has outlawed music, dancing and sports in the areas it controls. The group recently raided homes in Mogadishu to arrest football fans, killing at least two people in the process. Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa of al-Shabbab did not take responsibility for the attacks, but praised them. “Uganda is one of our enemies,” he told the Associated Press. “Whatever makes them cry, makes us happy. May Allah’s anger be upon those who are against us.”

New York Times