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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) – A suicide bombing Monday near the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad left an Iraqi security guard and the bomber dead, a U.S. military spokesman said. It was the second bombing in two months to target the U.N. headquarters in the Iraqi capital.
“A bomb went off from inside of a car, killing two individuals – one being the bomber,” US. Army spokesman Capt. Sean Kirley said of the explosion that took place at a checkpoint on the perimeter of the U.N. compound.
“No damage was done to the U.N. building. No coalition forces were killed or injured that we know of, at this point,” he said.
Doctors at nearby al Kindi hospital said 16 to 18 people were brought in for treatment following the explosion. Four in critical condition were transferred to other hospitals.
Iraqi police officer Wissam Jabar said, “I heard a huge noise. The next thing I was thrown forward two or three meters and saw my leg and my back were covered with blood.”
Immediately after the blast – shortly after 8 a.m. (12 a.m. EDT) – U.S. Army helicopters circled overhead and American forces rushed to secure the scene, CNN’s Nic Robertson reported. The explosion destroyed a nearby house.
An Army representative was quick to blame the attack on supporters of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
“This is yet another example of former regime loyalists hurting the Iraqi people,” said Army public affairs officer Capt. Holly Meeker.