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BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- A series of strong explosions were heard in central Baghdad after sundown Tuesday, and smoke could be seen rising from the U.S. headquarters compound known as the "green zone."
Up to eight detonations occurred after 9:30 p.m. Following one of them, white smoke could be seen rising from the zone, a one-square-mile area of downtown Baghdad where the main buildings of the U.S.-led coalition are located.
At least six of the blasts were near the former Saddam Hussein palace where the Provisional Coalition Authority now has its headquarters, along the west bank of the Tigris River, saidIraqi guards working for Iyad Allawi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council.
Iraqi police began setting up checkpoints in the center of the city in an effort to apprehend those responsible. American soldiers said they were unsure where the explosions occurred.
Insurgents often fire mortars in central neighborhoods of the capital after nightfall.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
