Menu
28/02/2005
Over 100 feared dead in Iraq bombing
A massive car bomb in Hilla, Iraq has killed more than 100 people according to reports from Iraq this morning.
The suicide bomber exploded a device in a car close to a group of people who were queuing to apply for government jobs. The blast killed over a hundred and there are more than a hundred injured being treated in local hospitals.
The attack is the worst incident since the run up to the elections held in January, which saw an orchestrated campaign by insurgents to disrupt the polls.
News agencies have reported that local hospitals are struggling to cope with the numbers of injured and medical teams have been dispatched to assist.
It is understood that some of those injured were at a crowded market, which was near to the queue which was apparently the intended target of the car bomber.
Hilla, which is some 60 miles south of Baghdad, is a predominantly Shia Muslim town.
In recent weeks, Sunni militants have been attacking Shias in an attempt to drive a wedge between the two groups as elected representatives hold talks on the formation of a new Iraqi government.
Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the bomb attack, saying:"All civilised people should feel nothing but revulsion for the terrorists who can kill innocent Iraqis who only want to help build a new democracy and a better society."
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw echoed the Prime Minister's statement saying: "There is no place for these horrific attacks in a civilised society. I was very sad to hear the loss of more innocent lives in Iraq and my thoughts go out to all the families and friends of those killed and injured. The recent, very successful, elections in Iraq have shown that the Iraqi people overwhelmingly desire a democratic future after far too many years of terror and destruction. To attack and kill the very people who are trying to contribute positively to the new Iraq is the height of callous brutality. We fully support the efforts of the Iraqi Government and security forces to track down and bring to justice the perpetrators of these terrible crimes."
(SP)
The suicide bomber exploded a device in a car close to a group of people who were queuing to apply for government jobs. The blast killed over a hundred and there are more than a hundred injured being treated in local hospitals.
The attack is the worst incident since the run up to the elections held in January, which saw an orchestrated campaign by insurgents to disrupt the polls.
News agencies have reported that local hospitals are struggling to cope with the numbers of injured and medical teams have been dispatched to assist.
It is understood that some of those injured were at a crowded market, which was near to the queue which was apparently the intended target of the car bomber.
Hilla, which is some 60 miles south of Baghdad, is a predominantly Shia Muslim town.
In recent weeks, Sunni militants have been attacking Shias in an attempt to drive a wedge between the two groups as elected representatives hold talks on the formation of a new Iraqi government.
Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the bomb attack, saying:"All civilised people should feel nothing but revulsion for the terrorists who can kill innocent Iraqis who only want to help build a new democracy and a better society."
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw echoed the Prime Minister's statement saying: "There is no place for these horrific attacks in a civilised society. I was very sad to hear the loss of more innocent lives in Iraq and my thoughts go out to all the families and friends of those killed and injured. The recent, very successful, elections in Iraq have shown that the Iraqi people overwhelmingly desire a democratic future after far too many years of terror and destruction. To attack and kill the very people who are trying to contribute positively to the new Iraq is the height of callous brutality. We fully support the efforts of the Iraqi Government and security forces to track down and bring to justice the perpetrators of these terrible crimes."
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
18 April 2007
Iraq bombs leave more than 150 dead
More than 150 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts in Iraq. In the deadliest attack, at least 115 people were killed when a car bomb exploded in a market in Sadriyah. An hour before that blast, at least 30 people were killed in what is believed to have been an attack by a suicide bomber in a car at a police checkpoint in Sadr City.
Iraq bombs leave more than 150 dead
More than 150 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts in Iraq. In the deadliest attack, at least 115 people were killed when a car bomb exploded in a market in Sadriyah. An hour before that blast, at least 30 people were killed in what is believed to have been an attack by a suicide bomber in a car at a police checkpoint in Sadr City.
10 February 2004
Up to 50 people feared dead after Iraq car bomb attack
Up to 50 people may have been killed and dozens injured after a car bomb attack in Iraq this morning, the BBC has reported. The massive explosion occurred outside a police station in the town of Iskandariya, a town around 25 miles south of the capital Baghdad.
Up to 50 people feared dead after Iraq car bomb attack
Up to 50 people may have been killed and dozens injured after a car bomb attack in Iraq this morning, the BBC has reported. The massive explosion occurred outside a police station in the town of Iskandariya, a town around 25 miles south of the capital Baghdad.
20 August 2003
UK and US promise justice for victims of 'callous' Baghdad bomb
The UK and US government have strongly condemned yesterday’s bomb attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad and pledged to “reinforce” their efforts in ensuring stability for the region.
UK and US promise justice for victims of 'callous' Baghdad bomb
The UK and US government have strongly condemned yesterday’s bomb attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad and pledged to “reinforce” their efforts in ensuring stability for the region.
09 April 2003
UN role uncertain after Anglo-US summit
The question over any future role of the UN in post-conflict Iraq was addressed but not answered today, following Tony Blair and President Bush's summit in Belfast over the past 24 hours.
UN role uncertain after Anglo-US summit
The question over any future role of the UN in post-conflict Iraq was addressed but not answered today, following Tony Blair and President Bush's summit in Belfast over the past 24 hours.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
