United States Marine Corps

Press Release
Public Affairs Office
1st Marine Division
1stLt Nathan J. Braden

Contact: BradenNJ@1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Release # 1003-04-0651

INSURGENTS BLOW UP IRAQI INFRASTRUCTURE
Oct 2, 2004

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq -- At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 1, a Multi-National Force-Iraq patrol witnessed an explosion on the second floor of the Ramadi Agricultural Center.

Reports from the patrol noticed one man hanging around the building. The building exploded as soon as he left.

After the explosion, the same man that had walked away returned to the scene where he was engaged by MNF personnel and subsequently was killed in a brief small arms exchange. A positive trace of gunpowder residue consistent with bomb making material was discovered on the man's clothing and skin.

A brief investigation by MNF patrol personnel noted damage to the second and third floors of the Agricultural Center and the strong odor of gasoline.

The body of the man who was killed during the exchange of gunfire was turned over to the Iraqi Police for identification and further investigation.

The Agricultural Center had recently received a $90,000 renovation and was to be a symbolic center piece of Ramadi's new found prosperity.

Anti-Iraq Forces continue to make efforts to destroy city infrastructure. The senseless bombings on its own buildings are a blatant disregard for human life. MNF-I believe they do this in order to deceive Iraqi civilians and place the blame on Multi-National Force Iraq personnel.

Multi-National Force Iraq is committed to assisting the Iraqi Interim Government in stabilizing the country and setting the conditions for a revitalized and independent Iraq.


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