U.S. Lawmakers Unscathed in Baghdad Blast (5 Reps near rocket attack)

[Barrett808]

U.S. Lawmakers Unscathed in Baghdad Blast
By DENNIS GALE, Associated Press Writer

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A rocket exploded near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad while five members of the U.S. House were in the facility Sunday, a member of the delegation said.

"Yes, we were there" when the blast occurred, Rep. Stephanie Herseth, D-S.D., said in a telephone interview from Amman, Jordan. "We were in the basement. And the rocket that was launched into the embassy complex was about 500 meters from where we were."

The lawmakers, who were not injured, were not aware of the blast until later, she said. It was not clear if anyone outside was hit. Another rocket in the embassy complex apparently did not go off, so U.S. forces did a controlled detonation, Herseth said.

Others in the visiting delegation are Democratic Rep. Mark Udall of Colorado and Republican Reps. Tom Osborne of Nebraska, Ernest Istook of Oklahoma and Scott Garrett of New Jersey.

Herseth said the military provided armed security for the delegation.

"You know that you're in a combat zone. I think you just sort of adjust your perspective to be vigilant," she said.

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