American CIA Explosive Experts Are Due To Arrive In Somalia In 24 Hours

Mogadishu, September 20, 2006 – The United States government was quick to respond the Somali transitional government's appeal to find international help over probing the double car bombings that engulfed the lives of at least 11 and injured dozens. The blasts took place in Baidoa town that, temporarily houses government buildings.

American Central Intelligence Agency explosive experts are due to arrive in Baidoa, southern Somalia where the general security has been firmly tight following the double suicide bombings that killed president Abdillahi Yusuf's younger sibling.

The federal government had, on Tuesday, asked for international expertise to find the perpetrators who were behind the assassination bid that failed.

Senior government administrators said they are very positive to discover masterminders of the blasts only with the international bomb experts' assistance, adding it is believed Al-Qaeda might be involved in that highly orchestrated plot, intended to kill president Abdillahi Yusuf.

Senior government official, who asked not be identified as he was not entitled to talk to the press over the issue, has confirmed that within 24 hours American explosive experts will show up in Baidoa, adding the American Anti-terror task force based in neighboring Djibouti will send the experts.

The federal g government pointed out it would guarantee the security elements for the arrivers.

Abdirahman Dinari, the federal government's spokesperson had told Shabelle Radio in Mogadishu on Tuesday that it might be possible CIA experts would fly from Djibouti and land in Baidoa to investigate if a terrorist network was involved in explosions.

President Abdillahi Yusuf complimented Ethiopia for its response after the failed attacks. Mr. Yusuf distanced Ethiopia from the incident, saying Ethiopia was a friendly neighbor and had nothing to do with what happened in Baidoa.

Ethiopia in turn said on Tuesday it was ready to dispatch troops to Somalia to protect president Yusuf's government if requested.

The government, however, said it was anticipating some Ethiopian officers who would arrive in Baidoa to congratulate president Yusuf on his immunity.

Source: SMN