Fire breaks out at a US base in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Oct 11: A fire broke out at an ammunition dump at a U.S. base in southern Baghdad last night, causing a series of explosions that rocked the capital, the US military said in a statement.

''The explosions are from ammunition cooking off,'' the military said, adding that it had no immediate reports of US casualties.

The Islamic Army in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack.

''The Islamic Army ... (launched) rockets and mortar bombs ... at a base for the occupying American forces. Explosions could be heard in Baghdad,'' said the statement signed by the group and posted on a Web site often used by Islamist militants.

The Islamic Army in Iraq is one of a number of militant groups operating in Iraq and has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on US-led forces as well as the kidnap and murder of several foreign contractors.

Iraqiya state television showed pictures of a huge fire lighting up the night sky.

Reuters reporters in central Baghdad heard more than 30 explosions, which began at about 11 pm local time (2000 GMT).

The Interior Ministry said the blasts had shaken three neighbourhoods close to Forward Operating Base Falcon in the southern district of Doura.

REUTERS