Explosion in Fallujah Mosque Linked to Bomb-Making Class Inside Mosque - 2003-07-02

The Central Command of the United States states that investigations into a deadly explosion at a mosque in Iraq indicate that the incident was apparently related to a bomb-making class inside the mosque. In the explosion that occurred on Monday evening, at least 7 people were killed and about 10 were injured. Reports indicate that the mosque's imam and several students were among the dead. Residents of Fallujah have held U.S. forces responsible. Meanwhile, President Bush reiterated that U.S. forces will remain in Iraq until it becomes a free country. Mr. Bush, speaking with reporters at the White House, stated that America will respond strongly to those who attack coalition forces. The U.S. President said that coalition forces possess the strength and will necessary to deal with almost daily guerrilla attacks. Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, also made similar statements regarding British forces during his visit to Baghdad on Wednesday. In another development, Poland has initially sent a group of its peacekeeping soldiers to Iraq and is expected to eventually take command of one of the three sectors in Iraq.