TA-ATTACKS: Large Explosion in Baghdad Mansour Neighborhood

A large explosion has been reported in Baghdad near a diplomatic quarter. Varying reports have the source of the explosion as anything from a rocket, to a car bomb, to a fuel tanker explosion. So far 2 Iraqi casualties have been reported.



The explosion follows Defense Sec. Rumsfeld's visit to Iraq. It is unclear if the explosion was timed to coincide with Mr. Rumsfeld's trip.


This attack seems to have targeted foreigners in Baghdad. Once again sending the signal that some in Iraq do not want foreign interferance in Iraq. If the attack was directed at Sec. Rumsfeld, it was a little late, as he had already safely left Iraq.

Related News Links:
www.foxnews.com

[edit on 12/24/2004 by phreak_of_nature]

I guess if their target was Mr. Rumsfeld they were not very successful on their objective.

And I imagine that the security around him most has been very tight.

It seems it was a gas tanker, that would make a nice bomb.

BAGHDAD, Iraq - A gas tanker exploded in a west Baghdad neighborhood Friday, just hours after U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld left the capital, police said.

Twelve people were wounded in the blast, said a doctor at Baghdad's Yarmouk hospital. He said most of the casualties had suffered second-degree burns and that several had been sent on to burn centers in other hospitals
Tanker

The more I think about this, the more I think it was meant to be a message to Rumsfeld. Granted they didn't get anywhere near him, but it could have sent the message that Iraq is not safe, and even the Secretary of Defense isn't safe in Baghdad.