Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Wounded, 3 Bodyguards Killed in Bomb Attack

Iraqi Shi'ite Cleric Wounded, 3 Bodyguards Killed in Bomb Attack
VOA News

25 Aug 2003, 04:09 UTC


A leading Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim cleric has been slightly wounded and three of his bodyguards killed in a bomb attack at the cleric's home in the holy city of Najaf.

There has been no claim of responsibility for Sunday's attack against Ayatollah Mohammed Said al-Hakim, who had just returned from mid-day prayers when the explosion took place.

The blast from a gas cylinder wired to explode blew a hole through the cleric's office wall.

Some Iraqis in Najaf are blaming loyalists of ousted President Saddam Hussein for the attack, while others say a rival Shi'ite group is responsible.

Meanwhile, the top U.S. civilian administrator in Iraq says international terrorists now in the country are responsible for many of the deadly attacks against coalition forces.


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