New York, September 12, 2004—A reporter for
Al-Arabiya television was killed and two other journalists were wounded
today after a U.S. helicopter fired missiles and machine guns to destroy
a disabled American vehicle, international news reports said.
Mazen al-Tumeizi, who was taping a report today during some the heaviest
fighting in the capital in weeks, became the 33rd journalist killed in
Iraq by Iraqi forces, armed groups, and U.S. troops since hostilities
began in March 2003. At least 25 Iraqis were killed and more than 100
injured in the capital today, according to news reports.
Fighting broke out on Haifa Street in the center of Baghdad around dawn,
when a U.S. Bradley armored vehicle caught fire and its four crew members
were evacuated with minor injuries, according to news reports. As a crowd
gathered, one or more U.S. helicopters opened fire.
Video aired by al-Arabiya showed al-Tumeizi was preparing a report nearby
when an explosion behind him caused him to double over and scream, "I'm
dying, I'm dying." He died moments later, the Dubai-based station reported.
Two other journalists were reported wounded in the helicopter strike.Military
spokesman Lt. Col. Steven Boylan told The Associated Press that a U.S.
helicopter fired on the disabled Bradley vehicle to prevent looters from
stripping it.
Reuters quoted a statement it said was issued later by the military, which
offered a different account. "As the helicopters flew over the burning
Bradley they received small-arms fire from the insurgents in vicinity
of the vehicle," the statement said. "Clearly within the rules of engagement,
the helicopters returned fire destroying some anti-Iraqi forces in the
vicinity of the Bradley."
Seif Fouad, a camera operator for Reuters Television was hospitalized
after being wounded in the attack, the news agency said, but the precise
nature of his injuries was not immediately disclosed.Ghaith Abdul Ahad,
a freelance photographer working for Getty Images, suffered head wounds
while covering the clashes and the helicopter attack, the AP reported.
A militant group linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi said it carried out the
campaign of violence in Baghdad today.
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