Am dismayed to hear about this situation Santa. You are right to take the threat seriously.
Moving away would be the best option, but you said that would be difficult because of finances. Carrying a handgun is not a good choice, unless you have some experience with guns...though it may be an expedient solution for your self defense, you'd just about have to carry it in your pocket everywhere you go, and would tend be a hassle in the long run. Plus, if you kill one of the Somalies using a gun, the others may seek retribution in kind.
I think Weazel's idea of the hose is excellent. Also, a good stout walking stick or cane would be handy. But only use one, and practice with it. The thing to remember is to get something between you and a knife attacker...a garbage can lid for example, hell, even a plastic milk jug lying on the ground would help. And never let them get close to you, i.e. move back as they move forward. If you're wearing a coat, you can take it off and use it to ward off the knife. Carry around a sharp pencil in your shirt pocket...it can be used to great effect if one of the attackers grabs you in a hold. Pencil targets are the eyes, throat, and heart (though this would likely kill.) Go to the bookstore or library and pick out a flat, hardback book to carry around...good for putting between the knife and you, and to use the sharp corner of the book in an attacker's throat or eye.
You're probably already in good shape physically because of tennis, scuba diving, running, etc. I recommend you find a karate dojo, and seriously train. This will help your SA, along with some self confidence in being able to have some control over a situation where you may come under a surprise attack. You can train at home in your room after the karate workout...this will improve your skills, as well as keeping you in a state of preparedness. The drawback to this is it takes time and hard work, however, the sooner the better. If you start training in a tough dojo, you wont have the Somalies on your mind so much that you're living in fear. You'll probably be more concerned about the workout. The advantage to training in karate or other martial combat arts, is it turns your body into a weapon over time, and you carry that with you everywhere you go. It's also a weapon no one can take from you and use against you.
Surprise attacks are advantageous when someone is going to, or getting out of the car. Or when someone leaves or enters the house. If you live alone, you have somewhat of an advantage in that regard...at least YOU won't be surprised. Travel in a group of friends, and make sure they are "in the know" and checking your six as well.
I don't blame you for being scared Santa. It sounds like a miserable place to live. I can tell you one thing bro, the guys here on this board are all confident you will defend yourself in an intelligent and serious manner, however you chose.
Les
