No evidence that coalition forces were involved in the attack on a Russian diplomatic convoy

The Central Command of the United States in Qatar states that there is no evidence to suggest that coalition forces were involved in an attack on a Russian diplomatic convoy attempting to leave Iraq, which resulted in several injuries. The U.S. Army indicates that based on reports from the scene, it appears the incident occurred in an area controlled by the Iraqi regime. The U.S. Army's statement mentions that an investigation into the incident has begun. Russian officials report that the convoy, which was evacuating diplomats from Iraq, including the Russian ambassador in Baghdad, was fired upon this morning as it was attempting to leave Baghdad towards the Syrian border. The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the ambassadors of the U.S. and Iraq in Moscow today, requesting arrangements to ensure the safety of Russian citizens in Iraq. A Russian television journalist accompanying the convoy of the ambassador and other Russian diplomats stated that their convoy was caught between the fire of Iraqi soldiers and coalition forces. The journalist, Alexander Minukov, said the convoy, which was heading towards the Syrian border, faced gunfire as it had nearly passed the Iraqi positions at the outskirts of the city. Mr. Minukov reported that three diplomats were injured in the gunfire, but the Russian ambassador was not among the injured. The U.S. Army's statement reiterates that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Meanwhile, Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. National Security Advisor, has traveled to Moscow for talks aimed at reducing tensions over U.S.-led military operations in Iraq.