Menu
24/03/2004
Baghdad hotel hit in missile attack
A hotel used by Western journalists and contractors in central Baghdad has been hit by a missile, according to reports emerging today.
The sixth floor of the Sheraton Hotel was hit early this morning by a missile, but there were no injuries.
The missile attack follows on from yesterday's bloodshed when nine police recruits were killed after their bus was ambushed by insurgents near Hillah.
Despite the attacks, the Coalition Provisional Authority is still on schedule to hand over power to the Iraqi sovereign government in 100 days time.
Earlier today the US administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, paid tribute to the improvements made to the quality of life of ordinary Iraqis since the invasion last March. Mr Bremer highlighted advances made to the country's infrastructure and economy.
However, there is a long way to go before Iraqis can enjoy security and stability. According to a US travel warning issued today attacks against civilian targets throughout Iraq continue at a high rate, including at hotels, the UN headquarters, the International Committee of the Red Cross, police stations, checkpoints entering Coalition Provisional Authority areas, and several foreign missions.
It added: "In addition, there have been planned and random killings, as well as extortions and kidnappings. Coalition-led military operations continue, and there are daily attacks against Coalition forces throughout the country.
"Attacks against coalition forces as well as civilian targets occur throughout the day, but travel at night is exceptionally dangerous. Hotels, restaurants and locations with expatriate staff continue to be attacked. The security environment in all of Iraq is dangerous, volatile and unpredictable. Although restrictions on the use of US passports for travel to, in or through Iraq have been lifted, travel to Iraq remains very dangerous."
Under the draft constitution signed earlier this month in Baghdad, there will be national elections before the end of 2005 to ratify the 275-member National Assembly; governate councils; and directly elected government to Iraq.
(gmcg)
The sixth floor of the Sheraton Hotel was hit early this morning by a missile, but there were no injuries.
The missile attack follows on from yesterday's bloodshed when nine police recruits were killed after their bus was ambushed by insurgents near Hillah.
Despite the attacks, the Coalition Provisional Authority is still on schedule to hand over power to the Iraqi sovereign government in 100 days time.
Earlier today the US administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, paid tribute to the improvements made to the quality of life of ordinary Iraqis since the invasion last March. Mr Bremer highlighted advances made to the country's infrastructure and economy.
However, there is a long way to go before Iraqis can enjoy security and stability. According to a US travel warning issued today attacks against civilian targets throughout Iraq continue at a high rate, including at hotels, the UN headquarters, the International Committee of the Red Cross, police stations, checkpoints entering Coalition Provisional Authority areas, and several foreign missions.
It added: "In addition, there have been planned and random killings, as well as extortions and kidnappings. Coalition-led military operations continue, and there are daily attacks against Coalition forces throughout the country.
"Attacks against coalition forces as well as civilian targets occur throughout the day, but travel at night is exceptionally dangerous. Hotels, restaurants and locations with expatriate staff continue to be attacked. The security environment in all of Iraq is dangerous, volatile and unpredictable. Although restrictions on the use of US passports for travel to, in or through Iraq have been lifted, travel to Iraq remains very dangerous."
Under the draft constitution signed earlier this month in Baghdad, there will be national elections before the end of 2005 to ratify the 275-member National Assembly; governate councils; and directly elected government to Iraq.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 March 2004
Five Coalition soldiers killed in Iraq bomb attack
Five Coalition soldiers have been killed in an area west of Baghdad today when the vehicle they were travelling in was destroyed by a roadside bomb, it has been reported today. The nationalities of the soldiers has not yet been confirmed. However, Bloomberg has reported that the five were US military personnel.
Five Coalition soldiers killed in Iraq bomb attack
Five Coalition soldiers have been killed in an area west of Baghdad today when the vehicle they were travelling in was destroyed by a roadside bomb, it has been reported today. The nationalities of the soldiers has not yet been confirmed. However, Bloomberg has reported that the five were US military personnel.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
17 August 2004
Six die in Baghdad mortar attack
At last six people have been killed and around 30 injured following a rebel mortar bomb attack on a busy street in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Initial reports suggest that one woman and two children were among the dead. Three bodies were burned beyond recognition, the Press Association reported. The injured were ferried to the Medical City complex.
Six die in Baghdad mortar attack
At last six people have been killed and around 30 injured following a rebel mortar bomb attack on a busy street in the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Initial reports suggest that one woman and two children were among the dead. Three bodies were burned beyond recognition, the Press Association reported. The injured were ferried to the Medical City complex.
21 April 2004
Explosions in southern Iraq kill at least 68 people
At least 68 people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks on police stations in the southern Iraq this morning. According to reports, three police stations in Basra were targeted in simultaneous attacks during rush hour. A short time later a police training school in Al Zubayr, which lies 16 miles to the south of Basra, was hit by car bombs.
Explosions in southern Iraq kill at least 68 people
At least 68 people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks on police stations in the southern Iraq this morning. According to reports, three police stations in Basra were targeted in simultaneous attacks during rush hour. A short time later a police training school in Al Zubayr, which lies 16 miles to the south of Basra, was hit by car bombs.
16 August 2007
Iraq Attack Claims 250 Lives
Suicide truck bombings in Northern Iraq have claimed the lives of at least 250 Iraqis and officials warned the death toll could rise to 500. Suicide bombers drove five fuel tankers into two villages near Mosul, where members of the Yazidi religious sect live, which has been the target of Muslim extremists who believe the sect to be blasphemous.
Iraq Attack Claims 250 Lives
Suicide truck bombings in Northern Iraq have claimed the lives of at least 250 Iraqis and officials warned the death toll could rise to 500. Suicide bombers drove five fuel tankers into two villages near Mosul, where members of the Yazidi religious sect live, which has been the target of Muslim extremists who believe the sect to be blasphemous.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
