"More Suicide Attacks" ("Just the beginning" says Iraq's vice president)

Sky News ^ | March 29, 2003

[Asher]

'MORE SUICIDE ATTACKS'

The suicide bombing which killed four American troops is "just the beginning" Iraq's vice president has said.

The attack, described by Iraqi TV as the "Blessed beginning on the road of martyrdom" against the US, was the first instance of a suicide bombing since the war began

But Iraqi vice president Taha Yassin Ramadan has threatened more will follow.

He said: "This is just the beginning. You'll hear more pleasant news later.

"It will be routine military policy. We will use any means to kill our enemy in our land and we will follow the enemy into its land.

"The United States will turn the whole world to martyrs against it. What do they expect? The Arabs and Muslims are not allowed to develp missiles and bombs as powerful as theirs."

The bombing happened on Saturday at a road checkpoint north of Najaf.

US military Captain Andrew Wallace said the four victims were part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Divison.

Sky News reporter Collin Brazier said the driver of a taxi had pulled up at the checkpoint.

"Two soldiers went to the front of the car, two to the rear. The driver beckoned to them and there was an explosion. All the soldiers were killed," said Brazier.

"This marks a significant change of tactics."

The suicide bomber, named as non-commissioned army officer Ali Jaafar al-Noamani, has been awarded two posthumous medals by Saddam Hussein.

Last Updated: 18:54 UK, Saturday March 29, 2003

[dvan]

The suicide bombing which killed four American troops is "just the beginning" Iraq's vice president has said.

Hopefully he will go on Iraqi TV and off himself. Now that would be impressive!