Allawi Escapes Assassination Attempt
21/04/2005| IslamWeb
Iraq's outgoing prime minister, Iyad Allawi, has escaped a car bomb assassination attempt which targeted his convoy in Baghdad.
At least two policemen were killed in the attack that occurred late on Wednesday night while Allawi was being driven home from a meeting.
Reports said a bomber attempted to ram his explosive-laden vehicle into Allawi's convoy. After security guards opened fire at him, the attacker blew himself up.
The attack took place around the Faris al-Arabi roundabout near Zawra Park on the city's west side.
It was a massive blast and many homes in the area were badly damaged.
Casualties
An interim Interior Ministry spokesman said earlier that two policemen were killed and one wounded in the attack.
This was the fifth attempt on Allawi's life. Another "major plot" against the prime minister was uncovered one week ago.
Meanwhile, a tanker packed with explosives exploded near a US military position in central Ramadi.
The blast was followed by fierce shelling of mortar rounds targeting the governorate building, used as a base by US troops.
Intermittent clashes also erupted between fighters and US troops in other parts of Ramadi during the day. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
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