Iraq: Justice Minister survives bomb attack

A car bomb blew up in western Baghdad today as the Iraqi justice minister’s convoy passed, killing five of his bodyguards and wounding two other people, authorities said.

Justice Minister Malik Dohan al-Hassan survived the attack, which occurred at an intersection only 500 metres away from his home. The blast struck the tail end of his convoy.

“My understanding is that the minister is fine,” said Col. Michael Formica, commander of the 1st Cavalry Division’s 2nd Brigade.

One of the minister’s bodyguards, Loae Hassan, said that five members of the minister’s security detail were killed in the blast that completely destroyed three vehicles in the convoy.

American troops and Iraqi police fanned out to secure the area.

Insurgents have targeted officials in the interim Iraqi government for assassination because of their decision to work with American forces. Guerillas see the officials as collaborators.

“There are people who want to stop the progress of democracy in this country,” Formica said.