site.btaDecember 27, 2003: Five Bulgarian Soldiers Killed in Attack in Karbala, Iraq

At 11.45 am on Saturday, December 27, 2003, five Bulgarian soldiers were killed in a coordinated terrorist attack by four suicide bombers. They first attacked a base of the Bulgarian military contingent in the vicinity of Karbala. Shortly afterwards, a rear base of the multinational division in the city centre and a building of the local Iraqi authorities were attacked.

Thirteen people were killed: four Bulgarian soldiers, two Thai soldiers and seven Iraqis. A fifth Bulgarian soldier died of his wounds in hospital.

The fallen Bulgarian servicemen are Major Georgi Kachorin, Lieutenant Nikolay Saraev and Officer Candidates Ivan Indzhov, Anton Petrov and Svilen Kirov.

Initially, two Bulgarian military posts raised the alarm over a direct terrorist threat in the area of Camp India. Minutes later, the Bulgarian rapid response group opened fire on a fast-moving water tanker carrying 500 kg of explosives. Although the Bulgarians shot the driver dead, the tanker entered the base where 480 soldiers from the Polish-led Multinational Division were stationed. A minute before the explosion, the camp came under mortar and grenade fire. Less than 15 minutes after the attack on the Bulgarian base, two more car bomb attacks were carried out. 

Following are excerpts from the coverage of the tragic event by BTA's English Service:

Government Offers Condolences for Bulgarian Victims in Iraq, Voices Firm Resolve to Fight Terror

Sofia, December 27, 2003 (BTA) - The Bulgarian Government Saturday declared its firm resolve to stick to its policy within the international anti-terrorist coalition. 

"We offer our condolences to the families of the dead," said a declaration read by Deputy Prime Minister Lidia Shuleva, who is standing in for Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha while he is in Madrid for the Christmas holidays. "We express support for these injured in the attack and highly commend their commitment, courage and professionalism."

"The tragic events in Karbala once again prove that we must stand united against terrorism," the Government also said. The Bulgarian Government is determined to continue its policy within the international anti-terrorist coalition. The participation of the Bulgarian contingent in the stabilization and restoration of Iraq is part of this policy.

The Government said it was taking all the necessary measures to reduce the risk for the Bulgarians in Iraq to a minimum.

A nearly 500-strong Bulgarian contingent has been in Karbala under Polish command since August 2003. In late August, the Bulgarian battalion took over the security of the military camps and the maintenance of order in Karbala. The Bulgarian Unit Commander Lt. Col. Petko Marinov became Military Governor of Karbala.

President Parvanov Extends Condolences for Bulgarians Killed in Karbala

Sofia, December 27, 2003 (BTA) - President Georgi Parvanov offered condolences for the four Bulgarian servicemen killed in an attack in Karbala on Saturday. He said the loss must not divert Bulgaria from its commitment to the international community's efforts to fight terrorism.

The President received news of the attack against the coalition forces in Karbala with great concern, his press secretariat said. He mourns together with the bereaved families and offers his deepest condolences.