The Dominican army reconstruction contingent in Iraq was involved in an incident yesterday in which their base at Diwaniya, 190kms to the south of Baghdad, was attacked by gunfire. No one was injured in the confrontation and Dominican soldiers were able to detain several suspects. This is the first time the troops have been involved in an armed incident since they arrived in Iraq last month and the area in which they are stationed is relatively peaceful. The 300-strong “Task Force Quisqueya” is engaged in reconstruction work in the south and central region of Iraq, along with troops from Spain and Central America. The “Que se dice” column in Hoy newspaper calls yesterday’s skirmish as a “trial by fire” for the Dominican troops, reminding readers that their peaceful mission is being played out in a dangerous part of the world. The writer gives thanks that there were no casualties, and expresses hope that all the soldiers return home unharmed.