Washington, 8 August 2003 (RFE/RL) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell insists the United States will not be deterred by "terrorists" in Iraq and that its forces will remain in the country until a representative form of government is in place. Powell made the remarks yesterday, after a car-bomb attack outside the Jordanian Embassy in Baghdad killed 11 people and wounded about 60 others.
In a separate incident, two U.S. soldiers were wounded yesterday in a gun battle in central Baghdad. Hours before, two other U.S. soldiers were killed in a firefight in the capital.
The deaths brought to 55 the number of U.S. troops killed since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major fighting over on 1 May.
Powell also said the United States may delegate some security responsibilities to emerging local forces. He said protection of local installations could be left to the new, fledgling Iraqi armed forces.
In a separate incident, two U.S. soldiers were wounded yesterday in a gun battle in central Baghdad. Hours before, two other U.S. soldiers were killed in a firefight in the capital.
The deaths brought to 55 the number of U.S. troops killed since U.S. President George W. Bush declared major fighting over on 1 May.
Powell also said the United States may delegate some security responsibilities to emerging local forces. He said protection of local installations could be left to the new, fledgling Iraqi armed forces.