Large Explosions Are Heard in Baghdad

Large explosions were heard after sundown Tuesday in central Baghdad but the precise location was unclear.

A U.S. military spokesman said only that he had heard the explosion but “we don’t know anything yet.”

Insurgents have fired on the U.S. headquarters compound, known as the “green zone,” this month but there has been no firing in that area since the U.S. military launched “Operation Iron Hammer” to strike at guerrilla hideouts in the city.

Following the blast, which occurred after 8 p.m., sirens could be heard briefly from the west bank of the Tigris River, where the green zone is located. Sporadic small arms fire could also be heard from the same area.