|
|
Article: U.S. Troops in Iraq Face A Powerful New Weapon; Use of Rocket- Propelled Bombs Spreads
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- July 10, 2008
- Author:
-
|
Copyright informationThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
Suspected Shiite militiamen have begun using powerful rocket-
propelled bombs to attack U.S. military outposts in recent months,
broadening the array of weapons used against American troops.
U.S. military officials call the devices improvised rocket-
assisted munitions, or IRAMs. They are propane tanks packed with
hundreds of pounds of explosives and powered by 107mm rockets. They
are often fired by remote control from the backs of trucks,
sometimes in close succession. Rocket-propelled bombs have killed at
least 21 people, including at least three U.S. soldiers, this year.
The latest reported rocket-propelled bomb attack occurred Tuesday
at Joint Security Station Ur, a base in northeastern ...