A SUICIDE bomber killed five Americans in an attack in north of the city of
Najaf, a US military officer said today.
Captain Andrew Wallace said the victims were part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd
Infantry Division.
The attack occurred at a US-manned checkpoint on Highway 9, north of Najaf.
A taxi stopped close to the checkpoint and the driver waved for help. Five
soldiers approached the car and it exploded, Wallace told Associated Press
Television News today.
It was not immediately clear precisely when the incident occurred.
US Central Command said it was aware of the report.
The suicide bombing was the first against US and British forces since the
invasion of Iraq began.
There have been warnings of suicide attacks in Iraq.
Iraqi dissidents and Arab media have claimed that Saddam Hussein has opened
a training camp for Arab volunteers willing to carry out suicide bombings
against US forces in Iraq.
Terror mastermind Osama bin Laden also urged Iraqis last month in an audio
tape aired on Arabic television to employ the tactic against the Americans.
Other Arab militants also spoke about suicide missions against the invading
armies.
Such suicide attacks are common by Palestinian militants in targeting the
better equipped Israeli army during the uprising on the West Bank and Gaza
Strip.
Where have all the flowers gone?
