Insurgents shell Green Zone in central Baghdad
Insurgents shelled the heavily-fortified Green Zone and other parts of central Baghdad early today, while US and Iraqi commanders said more than 400 suspects were captured during the offensive to retake the northern town of Tal Afar.
Two mortar rounds exploded near a military hospital inside the Green Zone that houses the Iraqi government, parliament, the US and other foreign missions, police said.
A plume of smoke could be seen rising from the area near the hospital after the attack and helicopters circled overhead.
Security inside the zone was boosted earlier this month after reports suicide bombers were trying to penetrate the area, which is a frequent target for insurgent attacks. Police said at least two other rounds exploded elsewhere in Baghdad.
Meanwhile, US commanders in Tal Afar said more than 400 suspected rebels were in custody as a result of recent offensive there.
The Iraqi military today reported that its troops had detained 36 more rebels, including a Yemeni citizen, just south of Tal Afar.
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