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17/06/2004
At least 35 Iraqis killed as bombers target army volunteers
At least 35 people have been killed after a massive car bomb rocked an army recruitment centre in western Baghdad this morning.
According to reports, dozens of Iraqis were queuing outside the barracks this morning to volunteer for the emerging Iraqi army when the bomb went off. Reuters have reported that as many as 140 people were injured in the incident.
It is believed that the 4x4 vehicle used was packed with artillery shells and explosives.
Witnesses said that there were no Coalition troops in the vicinity and the intent could only have been to kill or maim Iraqi civilians. Many of the volunteers come from poor backgrounds and were trying to provide for their families, said a local security official.
This is not the first time that the Muthanna base has been targeted. In February, 47 people died in a similar attack.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has spoken of his shock at the reported car bomb in Baghdad. Mr Straw told journalists in Downing Street this morning that the Coalition and the Iraqi people would not be deterred from transferring power.
"The terrorists used to justify their terror by saying it was against the occupation. But the occupation is ending. We, and the Iraqi people, will not be deterred. The transfer of power will take place. Iraqis will take control of their lives," he said.
(gmcg)
According to reports, dozens of Iraqis were queuing outside the barracks this morning to volunteer for the emerging Iraqi army when the bomb went off. Reuters have reported that as many as 140 people were injured in the incident.
It is believed that the 4x4 vehicle used was packed with artillery shells and explosives.
Witnesses said that there were no Coalition troops in the vicinity and the intent could only have been to kill or maim Iraqi civilians. Many of the volunteers come from poor backgrounds and were trying to provide for their families, said a local security official.
This is not the first time that the Muthanna base has been targeted. In February, 47 people died in a similar attack.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has spoken of his shock at the reported car bomb in Baghdad. Mr Straw told journalists in Downing Street this morning that the Coalition and the Iraqi people would not be deterred from transferring power.
"The terrorists used to justify their terror by saying it was against the occupation. But the occupation is ending. We, and the Iraqi people, will not be deterred. The transfer of power will take place. Iraqis will take control of their lives," he said.
(gmcg)
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12 February 2004
Iraq terror bombers care nothing for the country's people: Straw
The terrorists who committed the bomb attacks in Iraq this week "care nothing for the country's people", the Foreign Secretary has said today. Mr Straw said that the perpetrators had "callously targeted" those Iraqis who wanted to "serve their countrymen and work to build a safer future for all".
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The terrorists who committed the bomb attacks in Iraq this week "care nothing for the country's people", the Foreign Secretary has said today. Mr Straw said that the perpetrators had "callously targeted" those Iraqis who wanted to "serve their countrymen and work to build a safer future for all".
14 September 2004
47 die in 'senseless' Baghdad car bombing
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has condemned as "senseless" the detonation of a car bomb in Baghdad today which claimed the lives of at least 47 people. The bomb, which exploded in a crowded marketplace close to a police station on Haifa Street, injured around 115 people, according to reports.
47 die in 'senseless' Baghdad car bombing
The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has condemned as "senseless" the detonation of a car bomb in Baghdad today which claimed the lives of at least 47 people. The bomb, which exploded in a crowded marketplace close to a police station on Haifa Street, injured around 115 people, according to reports.
28 June 2004
Blair welcomes transfer of power to Iraqis
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the transfer of sovereignty back into the hands of local authorities and said that it was "the will of the whole international community for Iraq to take control of its own destiny".
Blair welcomes transfer of power to Iraqis
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the transfer of sovereignty back into the hands of local authorities and said that it was "the will of the whole international community for Iraq to take control of its own destiny".
11 February 2004
Second car bomb in 24 hours kills 46 Iraqis
Iraq has suffered its second devastating car bomb attack in 24 hours – this time 46 people have been confirmed dead. Like yesterday's explosion, Iraqi civilians were the targets as they queued up to seek work in the country's fledgling armed services. The blast occurred at around 7.40am local time close to an army recruiting centre in Baghdad.
Second car bomb in 24 hours kills 46 Iraqis
Iraq has suffered its second devastating car bomb attack in 24 hours – this time 46 people have been confirmed dead. Like yesterday's explosion, Iraqi civilians were the targets as they queued up to seek work in the country's fledgling armed services. The blast occurred at around 7.40am local time close to an army recruiting centre in Baghdad.
28 July 2004
68 killed in Baquba suicide bomb
A car bomb outside a police station in northern Iraq has killed almost 70 people, it has been reported today. The BBC has reported that at least 68 people died when a suicide bomber detonated explosives – which had been packed into a minibus – amid a crowded marketplace in Baquba, which lies 40 miles north-east of the capital Baghdad.
68 killed in Baquba suicide bomb
A car bomb outside a police station in northern Iraq has killed almost 70 people, it has been reported today. The BBC has reported that at least 68 people died when a suicide bomber detonated explosives – which had been packed into a minibus – amid a crowded marketplace in Baquba, which lies 40 miles north-east of the capital Baghdad.
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