Baghdad hotel attack with rockets; American colonel killed

[dArKeR]

Baghdad — In a daring strike, insurgents attacked the heart of the U.S. occupation Sunday, unleashing a barrage of rockets against the Al Rasheed hotel where U.S. officials live and where visiting Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz was staying. Mr. Wolfowitz escaped, but an American colonel was killed and 15 people were wounded.

Scores of American officials fled the hotel in pajamas and shorts after the 6:10 a.m. assault, which apparently used a makeshift rocket battery on a timer that had been wheeled into a nearby park. More than a half-dozen holes pockmarked the hotel's concrete facade and windows were shattered in two dozen rooms.

Mr. Wolfowitz, who appeared shaken as he addressed reporters at a convention center across the street where most officials fled, vowed the attack would not deter the United States in its mission to transform Iraq.

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031026.wiraq1026/BNStory/International/

[Sagan]

1. a colonel, eh?

Well, that's getting uncomfortably close to the upper class, isn't it?

If it was just some Mexican or black GI, then no worries.. But a colonel? Now THAT'S serious....

[LEW]

2. Are they sending Wolfo a message

Shot down a black hawk helicopter yesterday, and Wolfo had just got off another black hawk about a half an hour before........

B-)

[TahitiNut]

3. duplicate

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=184552&mesg_id=184552

I'm locking this thread. Interested DUers are welcome to continue discussing this in the referenced thread.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,
TahitiNut - DU moderator