Rome, Nov 12: At least six people died in a truck bomb attack inside an Italian police base in Nasiriya, southern Iraq today, Carabinieri Police General Guido Bellini told a news agency citing witnesses. Carabinieri headquarters in Rome earlier said a powerful explosion rocked the base at around 0740 GMT (1410 IST), injuring several officers as well as Iraqi civilians. Several police officers were reported to be trapped under rubble.
Fire engulfed several vehicles in a courtyard and an ammunition dump, according to Andrea Angeli, a spokesman for the US-led coalition.
Italy has about 3,000 military personnel in Iraq as part of international contingents following the US-led war to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

The Italian mission includes ground troops, members of the Air Force and police along with three naval ships and 40 Red Cross volunteers. Bureau Report