NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
December 22, 2004
Release Number: 04-12-22C
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWENTY-TWO KILLED IN EXPLOSION AT FOB MAREZ NEAR MOSUL
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Twenty-two people, including 13 U.S. service members, five U.S. civilians, three Iraqi National Guard members, and one unidentified non-US person, were killed in a terrorist attack on the Multi-National Force-Iraq shortly after noon yesterday in the vicinity of Mosul.
An additional 69 people were injured in the attack, 44 of them members of the U.S. military. Seven are U.S contractors, five are U.S. Defense Department civilians, two are Iraqi civilians, 10 are contractors of other nationalities, and one is of unknown nationality and occupation. Twenty-five of the wounded were treated and returned to duty the same day.
The attack, an explosion, occurred at a dining facility at Forward Operating Base Marez. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
"We deeply regret the injuries and loss of life among our fellow members of the armed forces, our civilian contractors and members of the Iraqi security forces who have committed themselves to helping 25 million Iraqis build a better future," said Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq. "Our prayers and condolences go out to the loved ones and families of these brave men and women."
Increased terrorist violence has been expected as insurgents try to disrupt the political process, derail elections, and intimidate the Iraqi people.
"Insurgents, who have everything to lose, are desperate to create the perception that elections are not possible," said General Casey. "We will not allow terrorist violence to stop progress toward elections."
The names of the dead are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
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