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Thursday, Jul 15, 2004

International

International

The most lethal attack in Baghdad

By Atul Aneja

MANAMA, JULY 14. A car laden with 450 kg of explosives has exploded at the entrance of the high security zone in Baghdad, killing at least 10 persons and injuring 40, marking the most lethal attack in the Iraqi capital after a U.S.-backed interim Government assumed office.

Authorities suspect that a suicide bomber blew up the car when people were queuing up to enter the "Green Zone" — the area where the interim Iraqi Government and top U.S. officials have their offices. It is as yet not clear whether the attack targeted a specific individual or was directed at people seen by guerillas as backing the U.S. supported Government because they work inside the "Green Zone."

The attack coincided with the 1958 revolution led by Abdul Karim Qassem, which overthrew the Iraqi monarchy. The guerillas appeared to have also made headway in `persuading' the Government of Philippines to begin the pull out its 51 troops from Iraq. Militants have kidnapped a Filipino and said they would behead him unless Manila withdrew its forces by July 20.

The Philippine Government said eight soldiers had been withdrawn, but did not clarify on the date of their pullout. "The Department of Foreign Affairs is co-coordinating with the Defence Ministry for the withdrawal of troops," said the statement on Wednesday. Both the U.S. and Australia have expressed disappointment at Manila's stated inclination to withdraw its forces. The interim Prime Minister, Iyad Allawi, who visited the spot, said that those responsible for the attack would be crushed.

Bulgarian killed

On Tuesday, an abducted Bulgarian national in Iraq has been killed by his captors. A second Bulgarian who was also taken hostage faced the threat of execution within 24 hours. Bulgaria has contributed 450 troops as part of the U.S.-led occupation forces.

The Al-Jazeera television station said that it had received a videotape of the execution of the Bulgarian, but had decided not to broadcast it, as it was too gruesome.

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