Explosion in Baghdad's Green Zone causes 'minor damage'

A car belonging to the Australian Embassy in Iraq was "slightly damaged" in the Green Zone in Baghdad on Friday morning after an improvised explosive device exploded, causing no injuries, according to a security source.

A security source in the Green Zone, who asked not to be named, said, "The explosion of the explosive device caused minor material damage to one of the Australian embassy convoy cars."

The official added that the explosion "caused no injuries" and "caused slight damage" to one of the cars. He explained that the Australian convoy "may not have been a target" for this attack, for which no one has yet claimed responsibility.

There was no immediate comment from the Australian embassy located in the Green Zone.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the incident that affected a diplomatic vehicle belonging to the Australian Embassy in Baghdad, which did not result in injuries," said Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed al-Sahhaf.

He added, "While the ministry expresses its solidarity with the Australian side, it affirms its full commitment to the Vienna Convention regulating relations, to protect the cadres and buildings of diplomatic missions and to facilitate their work in a manner that enhances the bonds of joint work."

Bombings occurred almost daily in Baghdad during the 2006-2008 sectarian conflict, but are now relatively rare. 

The Green Zone is subject to strict security measures in Baghdad and includes especially embassies and government buildings, including the Iraqi parliament and many ministries.

Thousands of supporters of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr have been camping in the area around parliament for nearly a month to pressure his political opponents and dissolve parliament.