Sandstorm blankets Iraqi capital, forcing airport closure (Green Zone is shelled)

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

Sandstorm blankets Iraqi capital, forcing airport closure By SAMEER N. YACOUB, Associated Press Writer
27 minutes ago



BAGHDAD - A thick layer of yellow dust blanketed houses and cars in the Iraqi capital Thursday as a heavy sandstorm over central Iraq sent dozens of residents to hospitals with breathing difficulties.

The spring storm, one of the worst in years, forced the closure of the Baghdad International Airport. It also appeared to hamper military flights.

None of the helicopter patrols that regularly roar over the city of 6 million people seemed to be airborne. The deadliest helicopter crash in this war occurred during a sandstorm that sharply reduced visibility in 2005, when a CH-53 Sea Stallion went down, killing 31 U.S. troops.

Apparently taking advantage of the reduced aerial activity, militants from eastern Baghdad repeatedly shelled the Green Zone, which houses diplomatic missions and much of the Iraqi government.


Explosions were heard across the city as salvos of rockets or mortar shells were fired into the high-security district. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the attacks but said no casualties were reported.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080417/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_sandstorm

[sabra]

1. who cares! Obama won't wear a flag lapel - that's what's really important...

:sarcasm:

[debunkthelies]

2. Flag Pins

:toast: :kick: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Arctic Dave]

3. When I was over there we had a sand storm that lasted a couple

of days. When it was over the ship looked as if it was painted gold. I wish I would have taken a picture of it. El Dorado would have thought he found the golden city. It was something to see.:)

[zonkers]

4. That must be pretty scary. Hunkered down. In a sandstorm expecting incoming.