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The Standoff with Iraq

Iraq marks anniversary of U.S. bombing of shelter

Iraqi officers lay a wreath at the memorial

February 13, 1998
Web posted at: 10:47 a.m. EST (1547 GMT)

From Correspondent Brent Sadler

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- As they once again face the possibility of a military attack, Iraqis have entered a week of official mourning for their civilian and military casualties of the Gulf War.

Government representatives, attending a ceremony Friday to remember countrymen who died in the war, especially recalled one of the darkest moments in the conflict, when allied bombs killed civilians in a Baghdad suburb.

The damage in the shelter is still visible

On January 13, 1991, the 28th consecutive night of bombing against Baghdad, two precision-guided laser bombs hit a shelter in the district of Amariya, killing as many as 400 men, women and children, according to Iraqi claims.

The United States and its allies, then aiming to oust Iraq from Kuwait, claimed the shelter was being used as a military command center, and denied any knowledge of a civilian presence.

Many of the relatives of those who died returned for a ceremony at the site, which the authorities have turned into a national shrine. Bent and twisted concrete reinforcement bars mark the gaping hole in the shelter's ceiling where the bombs entered; photographs of every victim line the candlelit walls.

Ceremonies and mourning in Iraq
	2.9MB/33 sec./320x240 1.2MB/33 sec./160x120 QuickTime movie

"I lost my sister and nieces," said one woman visiting the site. "It's important for us to remember them."

This year's remembrance carries a more poignant message, as the United States and its allies prepare for possible air strikes to force Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to give U.N. inspectors full access to suspected weapons sites.

The Iraqis say that in the war-planning of today, the American military and its backers should remember the mistakes of the past, and avoid a return to arms.

Meanwhile, on Friday -- the Muslim holy day -- religious leaders in the capital's mosques urged the faithful to put their trust in the Almighty.

"God will judge the outcome," one Muslim cleric told worshippers. "America will be defeated, and their warships and those who support them will also be defeated, God willing."

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Related stories:

• Russia urges U.N. chief to visit Iraq - February 13, 1998
• Jordan police attack pro-Iraq demonstrators - February 13, 1998
• Russia warns of consequences if U.S. attacks Iraq - February 12, 1998
• Report: Iraq considers new Russian proposal - February 12, 1998

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