Kampala — THE death toll of African Union peacekeepers in twin suicide car bombings in Mogadishu rose to 14, the Ugandan army has said. "We can confirm that 14 peacekeepers died, four of them Ugandans," said army spokesman Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye on Friday at noon.

Among the dead was Maj. Gen. Juvenal Niyonguruza, the Burundian deputy force commander. The force commander, Ugandan General Nathan Mugisha, sustained minor injuries and was evacuated to Nairobi.

At least seven civilians also died in shelling after Thursday's blasts, according to Reuters. In addition, five suicide bombers perished.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon strongly condemned the attacks and sent messages of condolences to the families.

"Two vehicles reportedly with UN markings, were used in the suicide attack at the AMISOM compound earlier today," the UN boss said at a news conference

on Thursday. "At least 30 wounded personnel are being evacuated for medical treatment I condemn this attack, this terrorist attack, in the strongest possible terms. "He said he was "soon" going to speak with the presidents of Uganda and Burundi, and the African Union Chairman.

"I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of those killed.

I honour their service and bravery," he added.

The circumstances surrounding the attack were unclear but witnesses said the bombers entered the compound using two vehicles with United Nations markings packed with explosives.

A security official, who wished to remain anonymous, said the soldiers at the gate had assumed the vehicles were on UN business and let them enter the base.

"When the cars entered, one of them sped towards a petrol depot and exploded. The other one exploded in a nearby area," he said.