Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080124-02
January 24, 2008

Explosion in Mosul kills 12, wounds 132

Multi-National Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – A massive explosion occurred in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul Jan. 23, resulting in the deaths of 12 Iraqi citizens and three Iraqi Army Soldiers and wounding at least 132 civilians.

Local Iraqi civil and military authorities are leading search and recovery efforts.

“This is a stark example of al-Qaeda’s disregard for the citizens of Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general of Multi-National Division – North. “It also highlights their willingness to risk the lives of innocent civilians by storing weapons in civilian homes, causing limitless pain and suffering on innocent people to further their agenda.”

The explosion occurred as Iraqi Army units were conducting a raid of a weapons cache in western Mosul.

“Coalition Forces will assist Iraqi civilian and security agencies in any way possible to assist in search and recovery efforts,” said Hertling. “We offer our condolences to our Iraqi brothers; we will stand by our comrades as they respond to this tragedy and make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

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