Iraq bomb kills 22 at police HQ

A lorry bomb that blasted the headquarters of the Italian Carabinieri police in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah today killed at least 22 people and injured more than 12.

The Carabinieri said 14 Italians were dead: 11 Carabinieri paramilitary police and three Army soldiers. Eight Iraqis are also reported to be among the dead.

Italian troops serving in the multinational force had until today suffered no combat-related fatalities.

Italian president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi called the bombing a "terrorist act" and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Italy was determined to help rebuild Iraq despite the "intimidation".

The explosion happened at about 10.40am Iraqi time in front of the Carabinieri's multinational unit in Nasiriyah, about 180 miles south-east of Baghdad. Two hours later rescuers were still pulling victims from the wreckage.

Carabinieri official Roberto Riccardi said some Italians may still be under the debris. Italy has sent about 2,500 troops to help the reconstruction in Iraq. About 300 Carabinieri - armed paramilitary police - are based in the Nasiriyah camp, along with 110 Romanians. There were no reports of Romanian victims.

Since August, vehicle bombs have targeted several international buildings, including the United Nations headquarters and the offices of the Red Cross.

Nasiriyah, a Shi'ite city, had been relatively quiet recently although it saw heavy fighting during the war.

Today's blast is a serious blow to British and Italian-led hopes for progress in returning the southern Iraqi cities to normal during the Islamic fast of Ramadan.

The bomb indicates that there are powerful elements within the Shi'ite community-intent on attacking the British and Italian forces.

Tony Blair voiced sympathy for the victims and their families. He acknowledged that the coalition effort faced " tremendous difficulties" but said that "the worst thing we could possibly do" would be to pull out. He said: "We have got to stick with this and see it through."

The Pope expressed "most firm condemnation" for what he called a "vile attack".

Two American soldiers were killed and four wounded in two separate bomb attacks in Iraq yesterday.

One soldier was killed and two wounded when their vehicle drove over a bomb planted on a road north of Baghdad. Another bomb killed a soldier and wounded two. At least 155 US soldiers have been killed in action since Washington declared major combat over on 1 May.