FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Special Groups criminals fired an 82 mm mortar at a Coalition force base that missed its target and landed near a market in the Karadah security district of Baghdad at 11:32 p.m. May 13.

Approximately 30 minutes after the initial attack, the market near the impact of the criminal’s attack burned down.

It is not known at this time if the incidents are related; however, Coalition force officials from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), are investigating an Iraqi National Police report attributing the cause of the fire to faulty electrical wiring on a generator.

Leaders of 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., confirmed no Coalition forces or aircraft were in the vicinity of the market before or during the mortar attack or the market fire.

“These Special Groups criminals are indiscriminately endangering the lives of innocent Iraqi civilians. This is typical of the cowards who target Iraqi citizens and show no concern for Iraq and its future,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, spokesman for 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light). “Our hearts go out to our Iraqi neighbors who lost their livelihoods in the market fire.”