FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070121-01
Jan. 21, 2007
Karbala Provincial Joint Coordination Center attacked by militia
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
KARBALA, Iraq – The Provincial Joint Coordination Center (PJCC) in Karbala was attacked with grenades, small arms and indirect fires by an illegally armed militia group Jan 20. Five U.S. Soldiers were killed and three wounded while repelling the attack.
Initial reporting by some media outlets indicated falsely that the attack was conducted by Coalition forces.
“The PJCC is a coordination center where local Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces stationed within the center meet to address the security needs of the population,” said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Deputy Commander for Multi-National Division-Baghdad. “A meeting was taking place at the time of the attack to ensure the security of Shiite pilgrims participating in the Ashura commemorations.”
“The attack on the Karbala Provincial Joint Coordination Center was aimed at Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces working together toward a better future for the citizens of Karbala,” said Lt. Col. Scott R. Bleichwehl, Spokesperson for Multi-National Division-Baghdad.
The location has been secured by Coalition and Iraqi security forces.
The deceased Soldiers’ names are being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.
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May the perps and their leaders rot in Hell.