Baghdad ministry blast kills 4, top officials unhurt

BAGHDAD, Feb 26 (Reuters) A blast at an Iraqi ministry during a ceremony attended by Vice President Adel Abdul-Mahdi killed four people today but the vice president was unhurt, an employee at the ministry told Reuters.

The employee said by telephone it appeared a mortar round had hit the Public Works Ministry building.

The employee said he had thrown himself on top of the minister at the time of the blast. The minister was also unhurt.

As the employee spoke, the sounds of shouting could be heard in the background.

It was unclear if the attack was an assassination attempt.

Iraq's top leaders are often targeted by militants. Abdul-Mahdi is a senior Shi'ite leader.

REUTERS PB BST1442