17/08/2004

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.

The huge blast occurred this morning in al-Rashid street, which lies in the city's business district. It was initially suspected that the outrage had been result of a suicide bomb attack, but Iraqi officials have confirmed that the devastation had been caused by mortar shells.

One building was set on fire and at least five cars were also damaged in the attack.

The attack occurred on the final day of the Iraqi National Conference where around 1,000 representatives from across Iraq's religious, ethnic and social spectrum are meeting to discuss the future of the country.

(gmcg)

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