US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has blamed multinational forces in Iraq for the disappearance of 380 tons of explosives from an ammunition dump south of Baghdad.

"I have no idea (what did happen). Looks to me like somehow the multinational force didn't stay on top of this,

but I have to refer you to the Pentagon. I saw the report, too", Armitage told the Arabic language Al Hayat newspaper Tuesday.

The Deputy Secretary said the United States was "shocked" by the incident, adding he had no idea about who could have "looted" them. Admitting it was a major breach of security, he agreed with the assessment that it was a "dangerous" incident.