{M-H-O} Al-Qaida bombs hit three Baghdad embassies

Al-Qaida bombs hit three Baghdad embassies

Explosions kill 32 and injure 200 in strikes on consulates of Iran, Egypt, Syria. German ambassador's residence may have been primary target
Sunday 4 April 2010 22.28 BST

Three deadly explosions hit the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Photograph: Karim Kadim/AP

Three powerful explosions hit foreign embassies in Baghdad today, killing 32 people and wounding almost 200 in what appeared to be the fifth wave of a Sunni militant campaign designed to decimate strategic targets throughout the capital.

The Iranian, Egyptian and Syrian embassies were all damaged by massive blasts within a five-minute period from 11.20am. The German ambassador's residence and nearby embassy, which are located near the Syrian mission, were also affected, leading government officials to suggest they may have been primary targets.

The blasts were the first large-scale attacks since the election on 7 March and shattered a two-month pensive lull across Baghdad. The upscale neighbourhood of Mansour in central Baghdad, home to many embassies and government buildings, was again the scene of the mayhem. For the fourth time in nine months, the checkpoints that dot access roads and intersections throughout the area were penetrated by vehicles carrying bombs that were estimated to weigh at least 500kg (1,100lbs).

The Islamic Army of Iraq, which is considered to be a spearhead of the residual Sunni extremist presence, had warned in January of devastating attacks to follow a triple strike on Baghdad hotels, which also killed 32. Deadly blasts destroyed four government ministries, two court houses and the Baghdad council building during three attacks in August, October and December.

Today, huge brown plumes of sand and dust shrouded rescuers outside the Iranian embassy as they carried victims towards any car still able to be driven to nearby hospitals. Gunfire resounded throughout the centre of the city for 10 minutes after the blasts, along with the familiar wail of sirens.

Officials from all the embassies targeted reported no casualties inside. But there was carnage on the streets, particularly in front of the Iranian mission, where up to 10 taxi drivers, passing motorists and pedestrians lay dead.

Abeer Ahmed, 30, was in her home near the German embassy, a little over a mile away, when the second of the three bombs struck. "Security won't be sorted out here any time soon," she said. "Look at the situation. All our leaders are busy fighting with each other for good positions for themselves and leaving the country to drown in blood. My child refuses to go to school and how can I blame her. There are many parties to blame for this carnage, firstly the current government, which can't stop it, and secondly the regional countries who are not happy with democracy in Iraq."

Bystanders and those caught up in the blasts universally said the attacks stemmed from a leadership vacuum caused by protracted negotiations to form a new government. "The elections didn't satisfy the political blocs," said Khalid Walid, 34, an engineer working near the Egyptian embassy. "Most government politicians fear losing their positions and to have their corrupt dealings exposed. So these explosions today not only carry the prints of al-Qaida, they carry the prints of corrupt elements within the regime.

Neighbouring states, which are routinely blamed for backing al-Qaida-led attacks, were the main targets of the blasts. But that did little to allay suspicions among locals that Iraq remains at the mercy of regional power-brokers.

Sabah Mohammed, 45, whose clothes shop near the Egyptian embassy was destroyed, said securing Iraq's streets was outside the government's control. "There are international hands that play a decisive role here," he said. "Every side wants the new government to follow them. If the new government will not satisfy Saudi Arabia, the explosions will continue."

The attacks came one day after 25 members of one village on Baghdad's southern outskirts were found shot dead in their homes, in one of the most brazen and lethal slayings for almost three years.

Most of those killed in the shooting were members of a local chapter of the Awakening Council, which joined an uprising against al-Qaida in Iraq from late 2006, a move that partly led to a sharp drop in violence. The Iraqi army blamed the shooting on al-Qaida and also accused Sunni extremists aligned to the world view of Osama bin Laden of directing today's bombings.

Officials from all the political blocs that contested the recent election have begun talking to rivals in an attempt to form a ruling coalition, but officials contacted at the weekend said a government was unlikely to be formed for at least two months.

Additional reporting: Enas Ibrahim

__._,_.___

Visit Our WebSite : www.MumbaiHangout.Org

             Forum : www.MumbaiHangout.net

Our Friends Network: http://social.mumbaihangout.org/home.php

------------------
DISCLAIMER :
------------------


This message serves informational purposes only and should not be viewed as an irrevocable indenture between anyone. If you have erroneously received this message, please delete it immediately and notify the sender at MumbaiHangOut-Owner@yahoogroups.com. The recipient acknowledges that any views expressed in this message are those of the Individual sender and no binding nature of the message shall be implied or assumed unless the sender does so expressly with due authority of The M.H.O. Group. M.H.O. reserves the right to repeal, change, amend, modify, add, or withdraw the contents herein without notice or obligation.
---------------------------------------------------
Note:- MHO is Not Responsible For Any Claims.
---------------------------------------------------

Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___