Blast heard in Baghdad's Green Zone

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD (AA) - An explosion was heard in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, an Iraqi security source said on Thursday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, told Anadolu Agency that the blast was caused by two rockets.

No material or human losses were reported as a result of the suspected attack, he added.

Earlier on Thursday, the U.S.-led International Coalition spokesman in Iraq Myles Caggins said the blast did not affect any of their buildings in the diplomatic enclave. However, he said that the Iraqi forces were investigating the attack.

Government buildings and most foreign embassies are located inside the Green Zone.

The attack comes amid nationwide anti-government protests to quell which an indefinite curfew has been imposed in Baghdad by the Iraqi authorities.

At least 12 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the last two days after security forces opened fire on the protesters who were demanding improvement in living conditions and an end to corruption.

* Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara