Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Today
Another U.S. Soldier Killed as Iraqi Interim Government Begins Work
Aired July 14, 2003 - 11:06 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HARRIS: We go to Iraq right now. Another U.S. soldier killed today in an attack on American forces. And authorities are investigating an apparent grenade attack outside coalition headquarters. CNN's Harris Whitbeck is tracking developments for us in Baghdad. He joins us now live from the Iraqi capital -- Harris.
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Leon. And this apparent grenade attack occurred about two and a half hours ago in front of the compound which houses the coalition provisional authority which is a civilian administrative authority here in Iraq.
A diplomat who saw the attack said a grenade was launched, was thrown at a parked vehicle. That vehicle exploded in fire, it went into flames. And then apparently a second vehicle nearby came under suspicion. The Baghdad fire department responded to the actual fire. And then explosives experts from the U.S. military came by and started checking out the second vehicle. They have cordoned off the area. No word of injuries. But that of course raises concerns here in Baghdad.
Earlier this morning one U.S. soldier was killed and six more were injured when the convoy they were traveling in was attacked, Rocket Propelled Grenades hit some of their vehicles causing that death and those injuries. The injured have been treated at a military combat hospital nearby.
All this happens as the military force here has entered into a heightened state of alert. The concern is that today, July 14, which is the anniversary of the overthrow of Iraq's monarchy would be celebrated by Saddam loyalists by launching attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq.
Meanwhile, the governing council which was installed yesterday, met for the first full day of work today. It decided to set up three separate committees that will take on the huge task of providing basic services, getting the Iraqi government back on its feet here. They've also decided to send a delegation to the U.N. Security Council in New York in an attempt to gain international recognition. No word yet on when a leader for this council might be chosen. That is expected to happen in the next several days. And then the real task which is that of figuring out how to write a new constitution will begin -- Leon.
HARRIS: Harris Whitbeck, reporting live for us from Baghdad. Thank you, Harris.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Begins Work>
Aired July 14, 2003 - 11:06 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
HARRIS: We go to Iraq right now. Another U.S. soldier killed today in an attack on American forces. And authorities are investigating an apparent grenade attack outside coalition headquarters. CNN's Harris Whitbeck is tracking developments for us in Baghdad. He joins us now live from the Iraqi capital -- Harris.
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Leon. And this apparent grenade attack occurred about two and a half hours ago in front of the compound which houses the coalition provisional authority which is a civilian administrative authority here in Iraq.
A diplomat who saw the attack said a grenade was launched, was thrown at a parked vehicle. That vehicle exploded in fire, it went into flames. And then apparently a second vehicle nearby came under suspicion. The Baghdad fire department responded to the actual fire. And then explosives experts from the U.S. military came by and started checking out the second vehicle. They have cordoned off the area. No word of injuries. But that of course raises concerns here in Baghdad.
Earlier this morning one U.S. soldier was killed and six more were injured when the convoy they were traveling in was attacked, Rocket Propelled Grenades hit some of their vehicles causing that death and those injuries. The injured have been treated at a military combat hospital nearby.
All this happens as the military force here has entered into a heightened state of alert. The concern is that today, July 14, which is the anniversary of the overthrow of Iraq's monarchy would be celebrated by Saddam loyalists by launching attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq.
Meanwhile, the governing council which was installed yesterday, met for the first full day of work today. It decided to set up three separate committees that will take on the huge task of providing basic services, getting the Iraqi government back on its feet here. They've also decided to send a delegation to the U.N. Security Council in New York in an attempt to gain international recognition. No word yet on when a leader for this council might be chosen. That is expected to happen in the next several days. And then the real task which is that of figuring out how to write a new constitution will begin -- Leon.
HARRIS: Harris Whitbeck, reporting live for us from Baghdad. Thank you, Harris.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Begins Work>
