Rocket fire by militants targets Iraq's Green Zone
Rocket fire by militants targets Iraq's Green Zone

By The Associated Press

Published: May 10, 2008

BAGHDAD — Shiite militants launched rockets toward the fortified Green Zone on Friday, taking advantage of a sandstorm that gave cover from attacks by U.S. aircraft. Some rockets fell short, including one that damaged the British Broadcasting Corp. bureau.

At least seven other rocket explosions were heard. But U.S. authorities did not confirm any strikes inside the Green Zone, which includes the U.S. Embassy and much of the Iraqi government.

The salvos from Sadr City have come in response to a U.S.-led push into Sadr City, the Baghdad stronghold of the powerful Mahdi Army led by anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. One of the American objectives is to push militants deeper into the district and put their rockets and mortars out of range for the Green Zone.

But that also has increased the chances of the shells falling short into civilian areas. One rocket hit the roof of the BBC bureau, leaving a 3-by-5 foot hole.

"It caused structural damage but no one was injured,” said Patrick Howse, the BBC bureau chief in Baghdad.

U.S. authorities plan to complete a barrier — up to 12 feet tall — in parts of Sadr City. It seeks to cut off militia movement and enable the military to exert more control over the most restive section of the district — a vast slum of about 2.5 million people.

Aid groups say at least 6,000 people have fled the homes in Sadr City to escape the fighting and seek help.

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