IRAQI RESISTANCE

Haaretz: Explosions Rock Central Baghdad Near US Compound


BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three loud explosions boomed through central Baghdad early Friday, and sirens wailed in the compound housing the headquarters of the U.S.-led coalition.

U.S. military sources confirmed to CNN that three or four blasts had occurred in central Baghdad.

Some smoke rose inside the compound, known as the "Green Zone," but it was unclear whether it was related to the thunderous booms.

"We are aware that some explosions did take place. We do not know the location," a spokeswoman for the coalition said on customary condition of anonymity.

A spokesman said he heard three explosions.

"They were loud," he said. "But I've heard louder."

Insurgents last month fired mortars into the "Green Zone," a five-square-kilometer (two-square-mile) area that encompasses several buildings. But if Friday's explosions occurred inside, it would be the first time in several weeks that the seat of coalition power was hit.