posted on Dec, 16 2004 @ 11:09 AM
A senior Iraqi official, Kassim Imhawi, has been killed in a drive by shooting. Eight of the bodyguards accompanying him were also injured in the
attack. Insurgents have constantly been trying to target officials of the Interim government, they see the present government as US collaborators.
The UN is likely to increase it's presence within the next few weeks to help make the coming elections as smoothly as possible under the
circumstances. Kofi Annan is due to meet with Colin Powell next Thursday to discuss the current situation.
news.bbc.co.uk
Gunmen have killed a senior official in Iraq's communication ministry as he was driving to work in central Baghdad.
Kassim Imhawi was hit by gunmen who pulled up beside him as he travelled into the city from a western suburb.
Mr Imhawi was director-general of the ministry and a senior adviser to the interim Iraqi government.
The killing comes days after interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi warned that insurgents were expected to increase attacks ahead of elections in
January.
Eight of Mr Imhawi's bodyguard were injured in the attack, in the Jamia district of Baghdad, the Associated Press reported.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Over the past few months several senior officials in Iraq's Interim government have been killed, including a director-general in the finance
ministry. As the Prime Minister has warned this violence towards senior officials is likely to continue and escalate nearing the elections.
In my opinion the attacks will not stop once the elections have taken place and may actually increase further. It is likely the attacks will never
cease as there seems to be never ending supply of insurgents that wish the coalition created Iraqi government removed.
With the news that Iyad Allawi is too stand in the elections, I expect attempts on his life to take place leading up to the elections. Only time will
tell.
Related News Links:
www.turkishweekly.net
news.bbc.co.uk
www.smh.com.
au
[edit on 16-12-2004 by Banshee]