Iraqi Freedom Veterans Hold Reunion In Baghdad, At Least 42 Killed
Note: This story was originally published in Al-Daffla Blog, a joint media venture between Duffel Blog and Al Jazeera.
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Mourners have descended upon the Martyrs Mosque to pay their respects to more than 42 dead following a reunion of Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans on Thursday.
The reunion event — which brought OIF veterans from as far as Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Minneapolis, Minn. — began as a dinner and drinking celebration of shared combat experiences, but took a tragic turn after one veteran attended the event in his uniform, which exploded shortly after he arrived.
"We were all kicking back chai, laughing and having a good time just telling war stories," said Ahmed Habibi, a veteran who completed two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. "Then suddenly it was like Ramadi all over again."
While the bombing provided a temporary setback to the night's entertainment — a dozen goats were blown to pieces — the group continued its party unabated, later holding a cel…
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