Suicide bomber destroys key Iraqi bridge

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.ae/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2007/August/focusoniraq_August83.xml§ion=focusoniraq&col=

14 August 2007

BAGHDAD - A suicide truck bomber destroyed a key bridge outside Baghdad on Tuesday, as US and Iraqi troops swept through flashpoints seeking to rein in militants ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

The blast shattered the concrete bridge linking Baghdad to northern provinces and sent three civilian cars plunging into the river below, killing eight people, security officials said.

In other violence, the pregnant wife of a police chief was gunned down while four people were shot dead while they lay sleeping on a rooftop. The US military, meanwhile, reported another five American soldiers killed.

The insurgent attacks come despite a massive operation -- codenamed Phantom Strike -- launched on Monday targetting Shiite extremist networks and insurgents affiliated to Al Qaeda.

[slackmaster]

1. Call me culturally insensitive, but that is really fucking stupid

The blowing up of the bridge could have been accomplished without the bomber blowing himself or herself up.

Maybe they're trying to make a point or scare people by committing suicide, but I just think it's dumb.

[bryant69]

2. It is dumb

I have to say I have no patience for Iraqis who want to drive the United States out of Iraq by killing other Iraqis, and less patience for those on DU who defend such actions.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[NNN0LHI]

3. I wouldn't call you culturally insensitive. You just may not be aware of all the facts?

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/07/26/iraq.bombers.force/

Some Iraq suicide bombers 'forced'


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. has evidence that some suicide bombers in Iraq may have been forced against their will to carry out attack missions.

A military official with the U.S. Central Command tells CNN that in one case after an attack, troops found a body with a foot tied with a rope inside a vehicle.

The official says there also is evidence of some individuals having their entire family held by extremists who then force them into suicide car bomb attacks.

ABC News reported the U.S. claims in an interview aired Friday.

In some attacks, suspected bombers have run from their cars and come to U.S. forces, officials said.

In other cases, mentioned by the official, extremists with remote detonators have followed drivers to set off car bombs.

[slackmaster]

5. Thank you for providing a theory that makes some sense

:hi:

[Amonester]

4. Don't worry. The surge is working. See? - n/t