thedrifter
03-28-03, 09:37 PM
U.S. Jets Bomb Basra Paramilitary Meeting
AS SAYLIYA CAMP, Qatar (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes have used laser-guided bombs to destroy a building in the southern Iraqi city of Basra where some 200 paramilitary members were meeting, U.S. Central Command said on Saturday.
A spokesman at Central Command's battle headquarters said early reports indicated that "no one came out" of the shattered two-story structure.
The spokesman said the bombing was part of the campaign to take Basra, Iraq (news - web sites)'s second largest city, from forces loyal to President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).
Iraqi forces have prevented U.S.-led forces from seizing control of Basra, although British officials say there have been signs of civilian unrest inside the city. British troops say they control the city surroundings, but have not yet moved in.
Central Command said in a statement that two F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets dropped bombs on the paramilitary meeting, terming it "an emerging target."
The bombs used in the night-time attack had a delayed fuse so they penetrate the building before exploding, minimizing damage to the surrounding area, including a church, the statement said.
Sempers,
Roger
AS SAYLIYA CAMP, Qatar (Reuters) - U.S. warplanes have used laser-guided bombs to destroy a building in the southern Iraqi city of Basra where some 200 paramilitary members were meeting, U.S. Central Command said on Saturday.
A spokesman at Central Command's battle headquarters said early reports indicated that "no one came out" of the shattered two-story structure.
The spokesman said the bombing was part of the campaign to take Basra, Iraq (news - web sites)'s second largest city, from forces loyal to President Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).
Iraqi forces have prevented U.S.-led forces from seizing control of Basra, although British officials say there have been signs of civilian unrest inside the city. British troops say they control the city surroundings, but have not yet moved in.
Central Command said in a statement that two F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets dropped bombs on the paramilitary meeting, terming it "an emerging target."
The bombs used in the night-time attack had a delayed fuse so they penetrate the building before exploding, minimizing damage to the surrounding area, including a church, the statement said.
Sempers,
Roger