[wvns] Biden welcomed by mortar shells in Baghdad

From The Times

September 16, 2009

Mortar attack during Vice-President Biden's green zone visit

Richard Kerbaj, Baghdad

Four mortar shells exploded in Baghdad’s heavily secured green zone yesterday as Vice-President Biden arrived in Iraq to discuss the withdrawal of American forces.

Iraqi police said that two of the mortar rounds, which were fired from the east bank of the River Tigris, landed near the US Embassy’s compound. Two civilians were killed and five wounded.

The mortar strikes came after a meeting between Mr Biden, Chris Hill, the US Ambassador, and General Ray Odierno, the US military commander, in the green zone — home to embassies, government offices and parliament. At least one reporter was said to have heard a blast during the press briefing by Mr Hill and General Odierno. Philip Frayne, the embassy spokesman, said that Mr Biden was in the green zone but was not hurt.

It was Mr Biden’s second trip to Iraq in the past three months, signalling the Obama Administration’s eagerness to resolve the longstanding disputes between the Kurdish, Shia and Sunni Arab communities over land and oil.

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Biden welcomed by mortar shells in Baghdad

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:57:07 GMT

Iraq's heavily fortified Green Zone has come under fire the same day US Vice President Joe Biden visited Baghdad, an Iraqi security official says.

At least four mortar shells landed about 100 meters (yards) from the US embassy as Biden paid a surprise visit to the city on Tuesday, AFP reported.

It was not known whether Biden was near the scene of the attack, but reports indicate that he was not hurt.

Fire engines were seen heading to the area.

SB/MB

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