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22 dead in Baghdad market massacre
07/05/2005 21:12 - (SA)
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| Iraqi fire fighters extinguish burning cars after a suicide car bomb exploded in a busy commercial neighborhood of central Baghdad. (Samir Mizban, AP) |
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Baghdad - Two suicide car bombers plowed into a foreign security company convoy in the heart of Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 22 people - including two Americans - in an attack that left burning vehicles, mutilated bodies and bloodied school children in a busy traffic circle.
Nearly 300 people have been killed in insurgent violence since a new democratically elected government was sworn in 10 days ago with seven positions undecided.
Six cabinet posts filled
Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said on Saturday he has filled six of the posts and the National Assembly will vote on the names on Sunday.
A Sunni military man, who fled into exile more than 20 years ago and only returned after the ouster of Saddam Hussein, was selected for the defense ministry, members of al-Jaafari's Shiite-dominated alliance said.
The twin suicide attacks took place in Tahrir Square, a busy traffic circle that is well known for its shops and a large statue of Iraqi soldiers breaking through chains to freedom.
Two cars packed with explosives hit the three-vehicle convoy, the US military said.
22 dead
At least 22 people were killed, including the two Americans, who were employees of the company that owned the targeted SUVs, the US Embassy said without identifying the company.
Three other American civilians were injured in the attack, the embassy said. It was still investigating whether other foreign nationals were injured.
Hospital officials said at least 36 Iraqis were wounded in the blasts, which damaged shops and a school, set fire to cars and left several mutilated bodies lying in the streets.
Rescue workers lifted injured school girls onto stretchers, including one with bandages wrapped around her neck and blood streaming down her legs.
Firefighters fought the blaze, which sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
- AP
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