• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

5 Reported Dead in 2 Baghdad Explosions

Iraqi officials say at least five people have been killed in two explosions in Baghdad.

At least one mortar hit the Iraqi capital. It was unclear if the second explosion was from a suicide car bomb or another mortar.

Meanwhile, officials say Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi has taken over the country's oil ministry from Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulum, who was put on leave. Mr. al-Ulum told Reuters he objects to being temporarily removed from his post, and that it was done after he opposed a government decision to hike fuel prices.

Also, South Korea's parliament approved a government plan to extend Seoul's military mission in Iraq by another year, but reduce its 3,200 troops there by around 1,000.

The U.S. military also said it will increase the number of U.S. soldiers advising Iraqi police units. Sunni Arabs have complained of being targeted by security forces now controlled by Shi'ite Muslims.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.