Military Condemns Suicide Bombings That Killed 29, Wounded 52

American Forces Press Service

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.)