Posted on 08/30/2003 10:32:16 AM PDT by knighthawk
An explosion near a coalition forces base in central Basra was the result of a local dispute, not a targeted attack on international forces, the Ministry of Defence said.
A blast from a car damaged two other vehicles, but was no one was seriously injured.
Major Niall Greenwood, who is based at Basra International Airport, confirmed that British and American soldiers had not been targeted.
"It was not an attack against coalition forces. Indications are that the incident was the result of a dispute between four men over drinking in public," Maj Greenwood said.
"Following the dispute a vehicle returned to scene and an explosion was caused, damaging two empty cars.
"Coalition forces deployed to the scene where the area was secured and an investigation conducted."
No soldiers were injured and it is not believed that any Iraqis were seriously injured in the explosion which happened around 200 to 300 metres from the base.
Normal security patrols have resumed following the incident at 6.30pm UK time.
A number of British and American soldiers have been killed in bomb attacks in Iraq in recent weeks.
Three uniformed British soldiers died in Basra when the convoy they were travelling in was ambushed by gunmen. More than 20 people also died when the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad was targeted by a suicide car bomber.
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