Some 29 killed Scores wounded in a huge explosion in Baghdad's downtown
Iraq, Military, 3/18/2004

An American military statement in Iraq announced today that one American soldier was killed today and other seven injured in an attack in which mortars shelling were used, targeting a supply and financing base to the north of Baghdad.

The statement indicated that four of the wounded returned back to their worrk after hours from the attack while other three were admitted to a mobile field hospital.

Meantime, the American occupation forces in Iraq said that some 29 persons were killed at least in a large explosion at al-Karrada quarters in the downtown of Baghdad and destroyed one hotel and several adjoining houses. The sources added that the number of wounded persons increased to 45 admitted to nearby hospitals to receive medical treatment.

The explosion took place behind al-Fardous square near Palestine hotel at 8 p.m. ( local time ) and it was so strong to the extent of devastating "Mount Lebanon" hotel and damaged several adjoining houses.

In its reaction to the operation, the administration of the US President George W. Bush said that the explosion will not change the American policy towards Iraq. The spokesman for the White House said that this operation will not stop the democratic process which had started in this country.

The explosion coincided with a new US military campaign called " the iron promise " that aims at eliminating the armed resistance in Baghdad.

One American soldier was wounded together with two Iraqi policemen in a bomb explosion in the downtown of Baghdad on Tuesday, while one civil defense member was killed in Musil and two others wounded in a bomb explosion near their vehicle.

The Baghdad large explosion came a while after the governing council approved the nature of the UN role in Iraq as the chairman of the council, Muhammad Baher al-Oloum, sent a message to the UN secretary general Kofi Annan hoping a quick return of the UN to Iraq.

In a press conference in Baghdad, the chairman of the National Congress and member of the governing council, Ahmad Chalabi, said that the council will notify Annan that the UN has to play an important role in Iraq through giving consultations and in the authority transfer issue as well as in connection to the direct connections that should be made by the end of January 2005.

Previous Stories:
  Kuwait calls for the execution of Saddam Hussein   (3/17/2004)
  Four American missionaries, one German, one Dutch were killed; Bremer to Kurds: Saddam will pay for Halabja massacre   (3/17/2004)
  Three Americans killed;, Arab member in Karkouk assassinated, Iran denies border clashes with Americans   (3/16/2004)
  Vice President Khaddam confers with Iraqi al-Watan party delegation   (3/15/2004)
  Two Iraqis, nine Iraqis were killed in different clashes in Iraq; Governing council: Saddam's trial will be purely Iraqi   (3/11/2004)
  Four Iraqis killed in Musil; Baghdad: American soldier killed   (3/10/2004)

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