Bombings Kill 2, Injure Dozens In Iraq, Israel

May 14, 2008 6:08 p.m. EST

Baghdad, Iraq (AHN) - An Iraqi officer was killed and four people injured Wednesday when explosives strapped to a young Iraqi girl suicide bomber were detonated using a remote control.

The victim was identified as Capt. Wassem al-Maamouri. The incident took place at an Iraqi command post at Youssifiyah, south of the capital city, according to the Guardian Unlimited.

Beyond those sketchy details, confirmed by Maj. John Hall of the U.S. Army, there was no additional information on the incident.

A second car bombing incident was reported by Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Mousawi, Iraqi Army spokesman. That incident occurred beside a convoy of cars bearing an official from the Sunni Islamic party in western Baghdad.

According to the police, the official, Ayad al-Samarrie, was unhurt, but one civilian died and 20 were hurt, including four guards.

Meanwhile, in Ashkelon, Israel, a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip hit the Hutzot Mall, injuring at least 14 people. Among the wounded was a girl, according to Eli Bean, a rescue service director.

The shopping center had extensive damage, according to Al Jazeera. The attack took place hours after U.S. President George Bush arrived in Israel to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country's founding.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the rocket launch.