Iraq: UN convoy hit by explosion in Baghdad, mission reports

A United Nations convoy of three vehicles proceeding from the Baghdad International Airport to the International Zone was hit with at least one explosion this morning, the Organization’s assistance mission in the country reported today.

According to astatement from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), no UN personnel were killed or injured in the incident and all proceeded safely back to the UN Compound. One of the vehicles sustained serious damage.

“The unfortunate incident this morning will not deter the UN from continuing its work in support of Iraq and its people, who have lived with violence for too long,” UNAMI chief Nickolay Mladenov said.

He commended the UN security teams whose “professionalism has ensured that no staff member was injured or killed today” and said that he looked forward to working together with the Government of Iraq in ensuring that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice.

Mr. Mladenov is expected in New York tomorrow to brief the UN Security Council on the latest developments in Iraq.