Diplomats say Mogadishu stadium blast is apparent failed attempt to kill Somali premier.
NAIROBI - Tuesday's deadly blast in a Mogadishu stadium was the result of an apparent failed attempt to assassinate transitional Somali prime minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.
The sources said the explosion that killed at least 15 people was not an accident and occurred when Gedi's security guards stopped an as yet unidentified militiaman from throwing a hand grenade when the prime minister was delivering a speech.
Gedi and other officials have said the blast was unintentional and caused by the accidental detonation of an explosive by a local militia commander's bodyguard, but the sources who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity said that version of events was being used to allay public fears and prevent panic.