AU cannot be the peace keepers, they are part of the problem.

African Union peacekeepers attacked in Somalia, 2 civilians killed 21 Dec 21, 2008 - Source: Garowe Online

MOGADISHU, Somalia Dec 21 (Garowe Online) - African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers came under attack Sunday in the capital Mogadishu, Radio Garowe reports.

At least two civilians, including a female, were killed in the crossfire after Islamist rebels hurled hand grenades at AMISOM peacekeepers on patrol, sparking a bloody gunfight.

Another five people, mostly civilians, were wounded in the clash, witnesses added.

AMISOM peacekeepers

Major Bahoku Barigye, the AMISOM spokesman in Mogadishu, confirmed to reporters that the peacekeepers came under attack somewhere between Stadium Mogadishu and the KM4 junction.

"Armed groups threw bombs at our forces, wounding one soldier," Major Bahoku said, adding: "Our soldiers defended themselves and we do not know the casualties on the other [insurgent] side."

Witnesses said AMISOM tanks and troops began search operations in the vicinity of the attack, but that the insurgents had already fled the area.

AMISOM maintains about 3,400 peacekeepers in Mogadishu, short of the planned 8,000 AU troops that would replace Ethiopian forces who will be withdrawing within weeks.

Nigeria recently announced plans to deploy troops to Somalia to boost the AMISOM peacekeeping force.

Islamist rebels, who reject the peace process, have vowed to continue attacks until all foreign troops withdraw from the country and Islamic law is restored across Somalia.