American among 64 killed in two Uganda bombings during World Cup final

KAMPALA, UGANDA -- In simultaneous bombings bearing the hallmarks of international terrorists, two explosions ripped through crowds watching the World Cup final in two places in Uganda's capital late Sunday, killing 64 people, police said. One American was killed, and several were wounded.

The deadliest attack occurred at a rugby club as people watched the soccer game between Spain and the Netherlands on a large-screen TV outdoors. The second blast was at an Ethiopian restaurant, where at least three Americans were wounded.

One American was killed in the blasts, said Joann Lockard, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.

Kampala's police chief said Somalia's most feared militant group, al-Shabab, could be responsible for the attack. Al-Shabab is known to have links with al-Qaeda, and it counts militant veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan conflicts among its ranks.

The three Americans wounded at the Ethiopian restaurant were part of a church group from Pennsylvania. One was Kris Sledge, 18, of Selinsgrove.

"I remember blacking out, hearing people screaming and running," Sledge said from the hospital. His right leg was wrapped, and he had burns on his face. "I love the place here, but I'm wondering why this happened and who did this. . . . At this point we're just glad to be alive." At the scenes of the two blasts, blood and pieces of flesh littered the floor among overturned chairs.

Police Chief Kale Kaihura originally said that at least 30 people had been killed.

Later, a senior police official at the scene said 64 people had been killed, 49 at the rugby club and 15 at the restaurant.

Kaihura said he suspected that al-Shabab was responsible for the blasts. Its fighters, including two recruited from Somali communities in the United States, have carried out multiple suicide bombings in Somalia. If Kaihura's suspicions about al-Shabab prove true, it would be the first time the group has carried out attacks outside Somalia.

In Mogadishu, Sheik Yusuf Sheik Issa, an al-Shabab commander, told the Associated Press early Monday that he is happy with the attacks in Uganda. Issa refused to confirm or deny that al-Shabab was responsible for the bombings.

"Uganda is one of our enemies. Whatever makes them cry makes us happy. May Allah's anger be upon those who are against us," Sheik said.

White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said the United States was prepared to provide the Ugandan government with any necessary assistance.