More mortar attacks rock 'green zone' Thursday

Left: Smoke rises above the 'green zone' following today's mortar barrage.

A series of mortars or rockets slammed into the U.S.-controlled Green Zone on Thursday, and an official said at least one round struck a parking lot used by the Iraqi prime minister and his security detail.

The barrage occurred a day after the U.S. military acknowledged "an increasing pattern of attacks" against the sprawling complex on the west bank of the Tigris River despite a security crackdown now in its fifth month.

A huge plume of black smoke billowed into the sky and helicopters buzzed overhead after about nine blasts occurred in quick succession around 10 a.m.

At least one mortar round struck a parking lot used by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his security detail, an official from the prime minister's office said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune

Related Link:
Report: Launch sites known for 'green zone' attacks, but response would lead to 'big casualties'

Related Link:
Report: Heaviest mortar attack on 'green zone' in weeks

Related Link:
Report: Green zone mortar attack causes casualties in midst of curfew

Related Link:
Perspective: Baghdad's Green Zone Is a Haven Under Siege

Related Link:
Report: Husband and wife U.S. embassy employees kidnapped, killed

Related Link:
Report: Supreme Criminal Court in 'green zone' evacuated for security reasons, to remain closed for several days

Related Link:
2 killed, 10 wounded in mortar attacks on Green Zone

Related Link:
5 Embassy 'contractors' hurt as mortars hit Green Zone, central Baghdad

Related Link:
Report: U.S. Embassy employees fearful over Green Zone attacks

Related Link:
Embassy orders staff to start wearing flak jackets, helmets

Related Link:
Rocket attack kills four contractors in Baghdad's Green Zone

Related Link:
Mortar rounds hit Baghdad's Green Zone in 2 attacks, 12 hours apart

Related Link:
Report: Iraq diplomats returning to U.S. with PTSD symptoms

Related Link:
Military: Captured insurgent documents include IDs for green zone, embassy

Related Link:
Speaker: 'Private contractor' to protect Iraq parliament

Related Link:
Source: Iraq had intelligence of possible parliament attack

Related Link:
'Officials': Indications of attacks on the Green Zone apparent for months

Related Link:
At least 2 lawmakers killed as explosion rocks Parliament canteen in major security breach of Green Zone

Related Link:
Two suicide vests found unexploded in heavily fortified Green Zone

Related Link:
Rear Admiral Fox: Attacks on Green Zone rising, two killed by mortar attacks in last 3 days including U.S. soldier