Press Release
Public Affairs Office
1st MARINE DIVISION
Contact:
Release # 1009-04-0954
INSURGENTS DESTROY RED CRESENT BUILDING
Oct 8, 2004
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq -- At approximately 4:30 p.m., today, a U.S. Marine Corps security patrol witnessed the explosion of the Red Crescent Building in downtown Ramadi.
Reports from the patrol also noted four insurgents video taping the destruction of the community medical facility.
After the explosion, Marines moved to the building to assist any injured persons. The insurgents ran into a near-by Mosque for cover as the patrol approached.
Initial reports from the area have not given any indications if civilians were inside or injured.
The destruction of the Red Crescent Building is the third such attack in last two weeks by the insurgency within the city of Ramadi.
Previous attacks include the Ramadi Agricultural Center on Oct 1., as well as the Coalition of Iraqi National Unity building on Sept. 29. Insurgents have been quick to blame such attacks on the Multi-National Force, but have been quickly countered with substantial proof that it was the insurgents themselves who destroyed the buildings.
Insurgents continue to make efforts to destroy city infrastructure with the senseless bombings of community buildings. They do this in order to deceive Iraqi civilians and place the blame and distrust on the Multi-National Force.
The First Marine Division is committed to assisting Multi-National Force-Iraq and the interim Iraqi government in stabilizing the country and setting the conditions for a revitalized and independent Iraq.
