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| Iraq |
| Iraq's Central Bank Attacked by Al Qaeda |
| 2010-06-13 |
| Militants wearing Iraqi military uniforms stormed Baghdad's Central Bank today after using a suicide bomber and at least four other bombs to blast their way into one of the city's most heavily-fortified buildings. The attack killed at least 15 people and is believed to be the latest, and most audacious, in a series of attempts by resurgent but cash-strapped militia groups to access funds. A senior officer responsible for security in the centre of the Iraqi capital told the Guardian the attackers bypassed several rings of checkpoints in a convoy of three trucks with military markings. Such vehicles are ubiquitous throughout Iraq and are usually given right of way by drivers and a clear passage through congested roadblocks. The use of police or military uniforms by terror groups was a common tactic throughout the chaotic years of 2005-2007, and has been a key reason for public trust in security forces remaining variable ever since. A suicide bomber led the attack once the group was waved inside the bank compound shortly after 2.30pm, when most workers had left for the day. The senior officer said scores of militants then entered the eight-story building in an apparent attempt to rob the vaults, known to hold gold bars, millions of dollars in cash and Iraqi dinars. The attack intensified with each explosion, and within minutes gunfire was resounding throughout Baghdad's oldest merchant district, Rashid Street, forcing shopkeepers to barricade their premises and flee. "The police were shooting everywhere, in the air and randomly," one vendor, who abandoned his clothes shop, said. "I don't know what was left behind, but there were explosions all the time." Police said they had recovered at least 20 bodies from inside the bank, with the number thought to include militants. Several fireman were shot dead as they battled a huge blaze that erupted from a petrol tank that supplied a generator. Lethal raids on gold vendors or money exchangers have become relatively common in recent months. |
| Posted by:Frozen Al |
| #2 ...actually they just need the money. Article isn't clear. Did they get the money after all this mayhem? hope not. |
| Posted by: Mike hunt 2010-06-13 21:19 |
| #1 Al Qaeda believes currency manipulation is an offense to Allah, so naturally they hate & want to destroy central banks which regulate monetary policy. |
| Posted by: American Delight 2010-06-13 19:16 |