28/06/2005

Second Iraqi MP killed in suicide blast

A suicide bomb attack in northern Baghdad has killed a senior Iraqi parliamentarian.

Shia Dhari al-Fayadh, 87, his son and three bodyguards died when a car bomber attacked their vehicle in northern Baghdad.

Mr al-Fayadh, a senior member of the Iraqi parliament who had presided over the inaugural session prior to the election of a speaker, is the second member of the parliament to be killed.

The June 28 attack comes exactly a year on from the formal handing over of power from the US-led coalition to an interim government under Iraqi control.

According to news sources in Iraq the parliament is struggling to retain control of a country that is run by local militias. However, a statement by the Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari this week claimed that security could be established within two years, the US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said recently that he thought it may take up 12 years to suppress insurgents in the region.

The Iraq parliament has now had two members killed in attacks by insurgents.

US led forces in Iraq have completed three major operations against insurgents in recent weeks.

The latest, Operation Sword saw over 1,000 US Marines supported by Iraqi troops conduct searches in western Iraq.

In a renewed upsurge of violence since the government elections in Iraq, it is estimated that more than 1,000 people have been killed in insurgent attacks.

(SP/KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

28 February 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.
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.
19 January 2005
Series of bomb attacks hit central Baghdad
US military sources have confirmed that four car bombs in the Iraqi capital Baghdad this morning have killed at least 26 people. The attacks occurred in quick succession and involved the Australian embassy, eastern Iraqi police headquarters, the international airport and an Iraqi military complex.
12 April 2007
Explosion at Iraqi parliament
An explosion in a cafeteria at the Iraqi parliament has reportedly killed at least eight people - including two MPs - and dozens more. The parliament building, which also houses the British consulate, is located in Baghdad's heavily fortified green zone.
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.