Military Condemns Suicide Bombings That Killed 29, Wounded 52

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008 - Military officials condemned a pair of suicide bombings that occurred near an Iraqi hospital today, killing 29 Iraqis and wounding 52.

In the small Diyala province village of Balad Ruz, an Iraqi woman, disguising deadly explosives in a mock-pregnant belly, detonated her suicide bomb next to a children's shoe store and a cafe. As emergency response units arrived on the scene, a male bomber detonated his suicide explosives, military officials said.

"By striking near a hospital, targeting civilians and wounding even small children, the enemy has once again demonstrated its total depravity and complete disregard for human life," said Maj. Geoffrey M. Schmalz, executive officer of 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

"While the citizens and leaders of Balad Ruz work to build their community, the enemy seeks only to kill and destroy," Schmalz added.

(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)

Latest Reports

• Ceasefire deal with Sadr militia
• Afghanistan Clash Proves Fatal for Enemy Attackers
• Defense Department Reviews Process for Handling Remains of Fallen Warriors
• Burma Allows One U.S. C-130 to Deliver Relief Supplies
• Military justice system will be reviewed
• Coalition Forces Capture 13 Militants, Disrupt Insurgency
• 15th generation rabbi: Helping servicemembers keep faith
• Military supply lines to Afghanistan fraught with problems: auditor general
• Abrams Tank Crew Kills Attackers in Baghdad Fighting
• Nations Must Work Together to Confront Extremists
• Guard Stands By to Help Storm-Lashed Missouri Residents
• Troops in Afghanistan Capture Three Enemy Fighters
• Druid's Dance Exercise Yields Major Training Milestone
• Taliban militants kill themselves
• Military Condemns Suicide Bombings That Killed 29, Wounded 52