SUICIDE VBIED DETONATES NEAR CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq

SUICIDE VBIED DETONATES NEAR RAMADI ENTRY CONTROL POINT

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq – A suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated at an entry control point at approximately 7 p.m., March 24, in Eastern Ramadi.

Initial reports indicate the blast killed six and wounded 19 members of the 2nd Iraqi Special Police Commandos. Two U.S. soldiers and two Iraqi civilians also sustained injuries from the explosion.

Additional Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. personnel responded to the scene.

No further information on the suicide attack is available at this time.

Entry control points began outside the provincial capital Feb. 20 at the request of the Iraqi government. This enhanced security measure was designed to help protect the citizens of Ar Ramadi. These control points are manned by both Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. military personnel assigned to 2d Marine Division.

“These terrorist attacks will not deter the soldiers and Marines from accomplishing their mission,” said Brig. Gen. Joe J. McMenamin, assistant division commander, 2nd Marine Division. “This was an attack on Iraqi Security Forces who have sworn an oath to protect the citizens of Iraq.” -30-

NEWS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 March 25, 2005 Release Number: 05-03-29 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOURCE: United States Central Command