- BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three loud
explosions boomed through central Baghdad early Friday, and sirens wailed
in the compound housing the headquarters of the U.S.-led coalition.
-
- U.S. military sources confirmed to CNN that three or
four blasts had occurred in central Baghdad.
-
- Some smoke rose inside the compound, known as the "Green
Zone," but it was unclear whether it was related to the thunderous
booms.
-
- "We are aware that some explosions did take place.
We do not know the location," a spokeswoman for the coalition said
on customary condition of anonymity.
-
- A spokesman said he heard three explosions.
-
- "They were loud," he said. "But I've heard
louder."
-
- Insurgents last month fired mortars into the "Green
Zone," a five-square-kilometer (two-square-mile) area that encompasses
several buildings. But if Friday's explosions occurred inside, it would
be the first time in several weeks that the seat of coalition power was
hit.
-
- The zone includes the Al Rasheed Hotel, which was used
by military and coalition civilian employees until a rocket attack Oct.
26 that killed a U.S. colonel and wounded 18 other people. Deputy Defense
Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was in the hotel at the time, but escaped injury.
|
