Bomber kills 3 GIs, 3 children at toy giveaway

[unhappycamper]

Bomber kills 3 GIs, 3 children at toy giveaway
By Kim Gamel - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Nov 18, 2007 17:56:41 EST

BAGHDAD — A suicide bomber detonated his explosives as American soldiers were handing out toys to children northeast of Baghdad on Sunday, killing at least three children and three of the troops, U.S. and Iraqi authorities said.

Seven children were wounded in the attack in Baqubah, where U.S. soldiers wrested control from al-Qaida in Iraq last summer.

The attack, along with a series of other blasts in the capital and to the north, underlined the uncertainty of security in Iraq even as the American military said overall violence is down 55 percent since a troop buildup began this year.

Police said the attack occurred as U.S. soldiers were handing out toys, sports equipment and other treats in a playground near Baqubah, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad.

Few details were available, but the U.S. military said it was a “suicide vest attack” and that three American soldiers were killed.

Rasoul Issam, 16, said he and his friends were playing soccer when the U.S. soldiers called to them from their vehicles to come get gifts.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/11/ap_iraqviolence_071118/