Insurgents Launch Attacks on Abu Ghraib

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 2, 2005 – Troops from Multinational Force Iraq repelled an attack by 40-60 insurgents on Forward Operating Base Abu Ghraib, Iraq, today at approximately 7 p.m. local time.

FOB Abu Ghraib houses the Abu Ghraib prison complex.

Officials in Baghdad reported that approximately 18 U.S. servicemembers and 12 detainees were wounded.

Two car bombs, called "vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices" by the military, were followed by rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms fire, and 20 rounds of indirect fire.

"The assault by the anti-Iraqi forces failed, and the FOB is secured and locked down," officials said in a statement.

"Additional information will be provided as it becomes available," the statement said.