Bombers Target Baghdad Soccer Celebration

Moment of national triumph thwarted by twin attacks; 50 dead
By Heather McPherson,  Newser User
Posted Jul 25, 2007 3:54 PM CDT
Bombers Target Baghdad Soccer Celebration
Iraqis celebrate in Najaf, 160 kilometers (100 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, July 25, 2007, after the country's national soccer team beat South Korea in the Asian Cup to reach the tournament's final. (AP Photo/Alaa al-Marjani)   (Associated Press)

Car bombings killed at least 50 and injured 135, as Iraqis celebrated their soccer victory over South Korea today. The two separate blasts, one in Baghdad's Mansour district, the other at an army checkpoint, came as cheering throngs crossed sectarian lines in a rare moment of national pride and unity, the BBC reports.

Iraqi police say the bombers deliberately targeted celebrating fans. The Iraqi team includes Sunni and Shia Muslims as well as Kurds, and the jubilant, flag-waving throngs included members of all three groups. "Iraq's victory with this harmonious team represents the way we should all live together," one young celebrant told Reuters. (More Baghdad stories.)

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