Shells Hit Baghdad's Green Zone After 3-Month Lull

Baghdad violence is down sharply, but has been increasing recently

By the Associated Press

Posted Apr 18, 2009 4:45 PM CDT

(AP) – Suspected militants shelled Baghdad's protected Green Zone today in the first such bombardment in more than 3 months. The back-to-back strikes reverberated across the Tigris River to a popular promenade, sending families packing up from fish restaurants and abruptly halting a party at a club. No casualties or damage have been reported, the US military said.

Violence across Iraq remains sharply down compared with past years, but attacks and bloodshed have increased in recent weeks and brought worries that it could slow the return of nightlife and commerce to parts of Baghdad. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces launched raids west of Baghdad, where authorities fear Sunni insurgents could be seeking to regain footholds in areas they once controlled.

Smoke rises from the U.S. protected Green Zone in central Baghdad, Iraq, in this Sunday, March 23, 2008 file photo, after it was targeted by a series of rockets or mortars. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, File)

The Green Zone houses many offices of Iraqi leaders, including President Nuri al-Maliki. (AP Photo/Iraqi Government, HO)

A U.S. Army medevac helicopter flies over rising smoke in the heavily-fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 28, 2008. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed)

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Shells Hit Baghdad's Green Zone After 3-Month Lull

Baghdad violence is down sharply, but has been increasing recently

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Another Iraqi Blast Kills Dozens

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Brit Busted for Hawking the Butt of Saddam Statue

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First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

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Iraq • Baghdad • Green Zone • attack • Iraq violence

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Another Iraqi Blast Kills Dozens

Suicide bomber hits Shiite funeral

Brit Busted for Hawking the Butt of Saddam Statue

Brit firm founder an ex-soldier who removed section of toppled Baghdad statue

With US Gone, Iraq Explodes

Violence rampant thanks to political crisis

Wave of Bombings Targets Iraq's Shiites, Killing 72

Heightens fears that attacks will increase now that US has withdrawn

63 Dead as Explosions Rip Baghdad

First major violence after US troop pullout rattles Iraq

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