Blast at arms depot kills 30 in Iraq
Reuters, Baghdad
U.S. forces detained 180 people in raids to stamp out resistance to their occupation in Iraq, the military said on Monday, as local residents reported a huge weekend blast at an arms depot killed at least 30 looters. Scores of people were hurt in the explosion at a munitions store in a desert area 260 km (160 miles) northeast of Baghdad on Saturday, residents said, adding that U.S. forces arrested several looters afterwards and handed them to Iraqi police. U.S. forces are trying to crack down on a massive upsurge in general crime, including widespread looting, which followed the overthrow of Saddam Hussein on April 9. They are also battling threats to their own troops, who have come under attack almost daily in recent weeks. U.S. officers blame Saddam loyalists, but Iraqis say some attackers are not linked to the ousted leader and simply oppose occupation, believing the invading troops have not respected them or provided basic services and security.
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