Experts Investigating Source of Mosul Explosion

By Samantha L. Quigley American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2004 -- Explosives experts are investigating the source of a single, large explosion on a U.S. base in southwest Mosul, Iraq, Task Force Olympia Commander Army Brig. Gen. Carter Ham said in a televised statement.

The blast, which occurred just after noon today in a dining facility, killed more than 20 people and wounded more than 60. Those killed and wounded include U.S. military personnel, U.S. contractors, foreign-national contractors and Iraqi soldiers, Ham said. The military is in the process of notifying their families and units.

Ham said the U.S. soldiers responded in a typical manner -- "with bravery, with unselfish caring for one another."

"In the chaos that followed that attack, there was no differentiation by nationality; whether one wore a uniform or civilian clothes, they were all brothers-in-arms taking care of one another," he said. "And I think that's something that all Americans and, indeed, all Iraqis can be very proud of."

While acknowledging the sadness of the day, Ham said the soldiers would come back from this attack and see that the mission is brought to a successful end.

Related Site: Multinational Force Iraq

Mosul, Iraqi Security Forces Foil Insurgents

Iraqi Security Forces Continue to Foil Insurgent Attacks, School Bus Attacked by Insurgents

Mosul, Iraq (December 18, 2004) – Iraqi Security Forces defeated two separate attacks in Mosul by anti-Iraqi insurgents as they attempted to ambush an Iraqi National Guard patrol and seize a police station in northern Iraq. In addition, anti-Iraqi insurgents attempted to attack a Multi-National Force patrol with a roadside bomb but instead the blast hit and Iraqi school bus killing one student and injuring six.

Insurgents attempted to ambush an Iraqi National Guard patrol with small arms fire in western Mosul. ING soldiers quickly maneuvered on their attackers returning fire and eliminating three while detaining one person. No ING Soldiers sustained injuries during the attack and the detained individual is in custody undergoing questioning.

An Iraqi Police station came under attack by indirect and small arms fire during a coordinated effort by insurgent fighters to overrun the station in western Mosul. The Iraqi Police successfully repelled the attack and detained one person preventing a reoccurrence of the events of November 10 when many police stations were abandoned and later looted. This is the fifth time since November 10 where insurgents have tried but failed to overrun police stations.

Anti-Iraqi insurgents attempted to attack a Multi-National Force patrol with a roadside bomb but instead the blast hit an Iraqi school bus killing one student and injuring six. The attack occurred after a Multi-National Force convoy passed through the area during routine patrols. Multi-National Forces responded with small arms fire killing one insurgent and reported no MNF injuries during the operation.

Also today, a concerned citizen came to Iraqi National Guard Soldiers in Mosul and provided them with information that led to a dump truck attempting to transport a large supply of explosives in eastern Mosul. ING soldiers detained the driver for further questioning and confiscated the explosives for future destruction.

Release #0412018i source multi-national force-iraq