Iraq

Dozens killed in double suicide blast at army base

Article published on the 2008-07-15 Latest update 2008-07-15 15:23 TU

Identifying bodies outside a hospital morgue in Baquba
(Photo: Reuters)

Two suicide bombers killed at least 28 people at an army base in Diyala province Tuesday morning. At least 55 people were injured in the blasts at the Al-Saad base in Baquba, about 50 kilometres north of Baghdad. The bombs went off in a crowd of Iraqi army recruits.

The bombers exploded themselves simultaneously in a group of young men signing up for the army.

“They are an obvious target for the various groups,” Robert Lowe, of Chatham House in London, told RFI, referring to the Iraqi army. And the potential recruits, who were not yet in the army, “are also relatively soft targets,” he continued.

One of the bombers wore an Iraqi military uniform, according to a security official.

The base houses some US troops, but the US military said it had not suffered any casualties.

Baquba is the capital of Diyala province, one of the most dangerous parts of the country, known as an Al-Qaeda stronghold. Iraqi forces have been preparing a crackdown.

"Very soon there will be a big operation by our security forces in Diyala," said Interior Ministry official Major General Abul Karim to reporters on Sunday. He did not give a specific timeframe.

Iraqi and US troops launched an operation in Diyala aimed at rooting out Al-Qaeda in January. They regained control of the farmland surrounding the town of Muqdadiyah, north of Baquba, but Al-Qaeda is still very present in other parts of the province.