The attack on Al Rasheed Hotel, which hit the west side of the building, took place at about 6:00 am local time. Wolfowitz was unharmed, a US military spokesman said, but he declined to say whether Wolfowitz was in the hotel when it was attacked.

There is no official word on casualties yet, but witnesses said at least three people were wounded and Wolfowitz looked calm when he was led away by US security forces.

Wolfowitz is in Iraq on his second tour to the country in three months. During the visit, he urged stepped-up efforts to create a new Iraqi army and police force to ensure security in the war-torn country.

Located on the west bank of the Tigris river and heavily fortified by US troops, Al Rasheed Hotel was attacked by three rockets late last month, causing minimal damage. 

One American feared killed in Rasheed Hotel Attack

One American was feared killed and several others were wounded early on Sunday in a rocket attack on a luxurious hotel housing US military and civil officials, said US Deputy Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.

Wolfowitz, who was believed staying on the 12th floor at Al Rasheed Hotel in central Baghdad when the rockets were fired, apparently escaped as he appeared denouncing the terrorist attacks at a press conference three hours after the incident.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2003)