Iraq update

US BLAMED FOR AMBUSH

Iraq's interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi has blamed the United States-led coalition for "great negligence" in the ambush that killed about 50 soldiers heading home after graduation from a US-run training course, and warned of an escalation of terrorist attacks.

However Defence Minister Hazem Shaalan blamed the recruits for taking an unauthorised route.

DEPOT 'NOT SEARCHED'

The Bush Administration faced more questions yesterday about the disappearance of 380 tonnes of conventional high explosives from a military base south of Baghdad.

A reporter who was with the US Army's 101st Airborne Division said the soldiers' main goal was Baghdad and she saw them make no effort to search the ammunition depot.

PAYING THE PRICE

The Bush Administration, faced with a growing insurgency and record fuel costs, plans to seek US$60 billion ($86 billion) to US$75 billion in emergency funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Herald Feature: Iraq