Chlorine Bomb Attacks Continue in Iraq

Via USAToday.com -

BAGHDAD (AP) — A suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq suicide bomber smashed a truck loaded with TNT and toxic chlorine gas into a police checkpoint in Ramadi on Friday, killing at least 27 people — the ninth such attack since the group's first known use of a chemical weapon in January.

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The bombing in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province and an insurgent stronghold, left many people nearby with breathing difficulties and some needed hospitalization, according to police Maj. Jubair Rashid al-Nayef. Most were released in about 30 minutes. Thirty other victims were hospitalized with wounds from the explosion.

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The first known chlorine attack took place Jan. 28, also in Ramadi. Pentagon officials first disclosed the attack, which killed at least 16 people. In low exposures, chlorine irritates the respiratory system, eyes and skin. Higher levels can lead to accumulation of fluid in the lungs and other symptoms. Death is possible with heavy exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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In the Internet feud, the Islamic Army in Iraq gave a rare glimpse of deep discord inside the Islamic State of Iraq, an umbrella organization for militant groups.

In a Thursday posting, the Islamic Army charged that al-Qaeda — a key group inside the Islamic State — was killing fighters of the Islamic army and other militant Sunni groups if they did not pledge loyalty to al-Qaeda.

It also charged that al-Qaeda had killed Harith Dhaher al-Dhari, a field commander of the 1920 Revolutionary Brigades, another organization under the Islamic State umbrella.

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In these cases, I personally believe that Al-Qaeda sees the two fold "benefit" of using chemical agents in their attacks.

If the chlorine kills more people, I am sure they would like this.....otherwise it is sure to increase one other thing - fear.

The addition of chemical agents into an otherwise normal bomb is more about fostering fear than creating more damage. This is "terrorism" at its core.....

The last part of this article is important as well. There have been reports that Al-Qaeda (former GSPC) was using similar "bully-type" techniques in Northern Africa, if I remember correctly.

Looks like Al-Qaeda is basically saying....you are either with us, or against us...and it seems to be working.