At least 10 civilians killed in ambush

? A rocket-propelled grenade attack on African Union peacekeepers and an ensuing gunbattle killed at least 10 civilians and wounded two peacekeepers in the Somali capital, witnesses and hospital officials said Thursday.

The Ugandan peacekeepers – the first to arrive in Mogadishu in more than a decade – were attacked Wednesday at a main intersection in one of the most dangerous and gun-infested cities in the world.

Paddy Ankunda, the Ugandan forces’ spokesman, told a local radio station that two peacekeepers were wounded. He would not elaborate when contacted by The Associated Press.

Somali officials said Wednesday night that three civilians were wounded in an initial explosion and the gunbattle that followed, but the casualty toll increased Thursday after hospitals started reporting the deaths.

Deputy Defense Minister Salad Ali Jelle said the attack would not deter the peacekeepers.

About 800 peacekeepers from Uganda have arrived this week, and about 200 more are expected.