[xtypo_dropcap]A[/xtypo_dropcap] U.N. envoy in Iraq, Ad Melkert, survived a roadside bomb on Tuesday, which hit his convoy a few vehicles behind him.
The former Dutch politician was on his way back from Najaf after a visit to prominent Shi’ite clergyman Ali al-Sistani when the U.N. convoy was hit.
Melkert told Dutch media he assumes he was the target, as his visit was made public. He did not speculate about who was behind the attack and so far, no one has claimed the attack.
He told Dutch radio that without a new government, safety in the country is not improving.
The envoy always moves around heavily guarded and said in spite of his training, he was shaken tremendously, calling it a “terrible experience,” according to AFP. He said he did not see but heard the explosion and felt its shockwave.
He returns to work tomorrow as normal to let the people know the U.N. is present in Iraq, he told NOS news.
However, according to Police Chief Abdel Karim Mustapha, the bomb, which killed one and severely injured three others, detonated after the convoy dropped off Melkert at the airport. Mustapha said his guards were the victims and Melkert was not the target, reported AFP.
The former Dutch politician was on his way back from Najaf after a visit to prominent Shi’ite clergyman Ali al-Sistani when the U.N. convoy was hit.
Melkert told Dutch media he assumes he was the target, as his visit was made public. He did not speculate about who was behind the attack and so far, no one has claimed the attack.
He told Dutch radio that without a new government, safety in the country is not improving.
The envoy always moves around heavily guarded and said in spite of his training, he was shaken tremendously, calling it a “terrible experience,” according to AFP. He said he did not see but heard the explosion and felt its shockwave.
He returns to work tomorrow as normal to let the people know the U.N. is present in Iraq, he told NOS news.
However, according to Police Chief Abdel Karim Mustapha, the bomb, which killed one and severely injured three others, detonated after the convoy dropped off Melkert at the airport. Mustapha said his guards were the victims and Melkert was not the target, reported AFP.
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