The Hindu : International : Green Zone attack leaves 3 Americans dead

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Oct 15, 2004

International

International

Green Zone attack leaves 3 Americans dead

BAGHDAD, OCT. 14. Resistance fighters penetrated Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone and set off bombs at a market and a popular cafe on Thursday, killing five persons, including three Americans, in a bold attack on the compound housing the U.S. and Iraqi Government headquarters, the U.S. military said.

The Iraqi National Security Adviser, Qassem Dawoud, said "initial information" indicated the attacks were a "suicide operation."

If so, it would be the first time militants have successfully infiltrated and set off bombs in the heart of the U.S.-Iraqi leadership. The attack raised fears over security in the compound and underscored militants' ability to strike in the capital even as U.S.-Iraqi forces step up military operations to suppress them in other parts of the country.

Zarqawi group to blame?

Earlier on Thursday, an improvised bomb exploded in eastern Baghdad, killing one American soldier and wounding two others, the U.S. command said. Iraq's most feared militant group, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Tawhid and Jihad, purportedly claimed responsibility for the Green Zone bombings, according to a statement posted on a Web site known for its Islamic content.

U.S. warplanes struck at least two sites in Fallujah on Tuesday, which the command said were being used by followers of Mr. Al-Zarqawi. At least five persons were killed and 16 wounded.

Deaths in Ramadi

In Ramadi, hospital officials said on Thursday eight persons were killed and 17 wounded in 24 hours of fighting. U.S. troops swept into the city early on Wednesday, sealing off key streets, taking position on the rooftops and searching buildings, residents said. Warplanes and helicopters hovered overhead. Rebels fought back with gunfire and mortar blasts. Residents cowered in their homes as gunfire and explosions continued through the night.

A man identified as a Turkish driver kidnapped in Iraq was beheaded in a video shown on an Islamic Web site on Thursday.

The Arabic-language Web site said the driver's name was Ramadan Elbu.

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