Ministry official escapes attempt on life

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: An under-secretary of state in the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education on Tuesday survived an assassination attempt in downtown Baghdad. “The motorcade of the under-secretary of state for scientific research, Dr. Ammar Aziz Mohammed, was hit by an explosive charge while it was passing downtown Baghdad’s al-Nidal Street,” according to a statement released by the National Media Center and received by IraqiNews.com news agency. The blast caused damage to the official’s armored vehicle as well as to one of his personal protection vehicles, the statement noted. SS (P) 1