Menu
02/04/2003
US missile debris found at scene of civilian tragedy
Veteran Independent columnist Robert Fisk has claimed to have found evidence proving that the US was responsible for Friday's bombing of a Baghdad marketplace in which 62 people died – and not Iraqi forces as has been suggested.
According to the Independent report, debris from the blast area contained a tail fin from the missile which had a code indicating it was manufactured by Raytheon in Texas. Friday's explosion was preceded by a similar explosion last Wednesday in Baghdad in which 14 Iraqis died.
However, both US and British government spokesmen have suggested that the Iraqi military targeted the marketplace to create anti-Coalition feeling.
In a speech to the Newspaper Society Annual Conference yesterday, the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said it was "increasingly probable" that Wednesday's bombing was "the result of Iraqi – not coalition – action".
Asked to clarify Mr Straw's comments, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson said that the government believed there was evidence to show that "the culprit was an Iraqi aircraft defence missile".
He added: "We also had our suspicions about the second (Friday's) bomb attack. However, because we were not there on the ground, we were unable to be 100% certain."
(GMcG)
According to the Independent report, debris from the blast area contained a tail fin from the missile which had a code indicating it was manufactured by Raytheon in Texas. Friday's explosion was preceded by a similar explosion last Wednesday in Baghdad in which 14 Iraqis died.
However, both US and British government spokesmen have suggested that the Iraqi military targeted the marketplace to create anti-Coalition feeling.
In a speech to the Newspaper Society Annual Conference yesterday, the Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said it was "increasingly probable" that Wednesday's bombing was "the result of Iraqi – not coalition – action".
Asked to clarify Mr Straw's comments, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson said that the government believed there was evidence to show that "the culprit was an Iraqi aircraft defence missile".
He added: "We also had our suspicions about the second (Friday's) bomb attack. However, because we were not there on the ground, we were unable to be 100% certain."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2004
Two Britons die in Baghdad suicide bombing
Two Britons were among the 11 people killed in a Baghdad suicide bombing this morning. The blast decimated a three-vehicle convoy of western civilians and contractors travelling through a busy thoroughfare in the Iraqi capital at around 9.15am local time.
Two Britons die in Baghdad suicide bombing
Two Britons were among the 11 people killed in a Baghdad suicide bombing this morning. The blast decimated a three-vehicle convoy of western civilians and contractors travelling through a busy thoroughfare in the Iraqi capital at around 9.15am local time.
28 October 2003
Four civilians die in Falluja bombing
Four more civilians have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq today – less than 36 hours after a series of coordinated strikes killed 34 in Baghdad. A car was driven close to a police station in Falluja earlier this afternoon before a device was detonated. Reports are yet to be confirmed on the numbers of casualties involved.
Four civilians die in Falluja bombing
Four more civilians have been killed in a suicide bomb attack in Iraq today – less than 36 hours after a series of coordinated strikes killed 34 in Baghdad. A car was driven close to a police station in Falluja earlier this afternoon before a device was detonated. Reports are yet to be confirmed on the numbers of casualties involved.
03 November 2003
Rumsfeld issues dire warning over Iraqi missile threat
Following yesterday's devastating missile attack on a US helicopter in Iraq, the US Defense Secretary has warned that similar disasters could follow. In an interview with an American network, Donald Rumsfeld said that there could be thousands of shoulder-held surface-to-air missiles hidden across Iraq.
Rumsfeld issues dire warning over Iraqi missile threat
Following yesterday's devastating missile attack on a US helicopter in Iraq, the US Defense Secretary has warned that similar disasters could follow. In an interview with an American network, Donald Rumsfeld said that there could be thousands of shoulder-held surface-to-air missiles hidden across Iraq.
28 November 2005
First evidence heard in Saddam trial
The trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has heard the first prosecution evidence as his trial, on charges of crimes against humanity, resumed today.
First evidence heard in Saddam trial
The trial of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein has heard the first prosecution evidence as his trial, on charges of crimes against humanity, resumed today.
25 January 2005
Senior Iraqi judge shot dead in Baghdad
A senior Iraqi judge has been assassinated in eastern Baghdad today as dissident groups step up a terror campaign prior to Sunday's elections in Iraq. Judge Qais Hashim Shameri and his son were killed in a gun attack as they left their home this morning. Initial police reports indicate that their driver was also wounded in the ambush.
Senior Iraqi judge shot dead in Baghdad
A senior Iraqi judge has been assassinated in eastern Baghdad today as dissident groups step up a terror campaign prior to Sunday's elections in Iraq. Judge Qais Hashim Shameri and his son were killed in a gun attack as they left their home this morning. Initial police reports indicate that their driver was also wounded in the ambush.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
