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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
RELEASE No. 20080215-01
February 15, 2008

Barriers save lives after explosion in Sadr City
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – An automobile transporting munitions and explosives prematurely detonated reportedly killing two Iraqis and wounding 25 in Sadr City Feb. 14.

At approximately 1 p.m., the Iraqi Police at the Sadr City Joint Security Station reported the detonation. The IPs and elements of the 3rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division, were on scene and providing security within 10 minutes of the incident.

The blast occurred in the vicinity of a large, open-air market where National Police had emplaced protective barriers in August. The barriers funneled the blast away from the market, local merchants and shoppers. 

The wounded were evacuated to a nearby hospital.

Suspected Special Groups criminals are selling explosives in the area, and are believed to be responsible for the vehicle transporting the explosives that denoted.

“Our assessment is that the vehicle was transporting munitions and explosives and prematurely detonated before arriving at their final destination,” said Maj. C.W. Weathers, intelligence officer, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.  “The market, near the center of Sadr City, is known for Special Groups black market weapons sales.”

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