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Suicide bombers strike in Baghdad | Suicide bombers strike in Baghdad |
(about 2 hours later) | |
At least 15 people have been killed and 55 injured in twin suicide car bomb attacks in Baghdad. | At least 15 people have been killed and 55 injured in twin suicide car bomb attacks in Baghdad. |
The bombs exploded in quick succession near a market in the mainly Shia New Baghdad district, in the east of the city, Iraqi police sources say. | The bombs exploded in quick succession near a market in the mainly Shia New Baghdad district, in the east of the city, Iraqi police sources say. |
There has been a string of attacks on markets. The worst killed 88 people. | There has been a string of attacks on markets. The worst killed 88 people. |
The attacks come despite the arrival last week of the first of more than 21,000 extra US troops intended to bring an end to sectarian violence. | The attacks come despite the arrival last week of the first of more than 21,000 extra US troops intended to bring an end to sectarian violence. |
In other violence on Saturday: | In other violence on Saturday: |
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Shia targets | Shia targets |
Saturday's deadliest attack near a bird market in New Baghdad began when a suicide car bomber exploded his car in a busy street. | Saturday's deadliest attack near a bird market in New Baghdad began when a suicide car bomber exploded his car in a busy street. |
A second bomber then triggered an explosion minutes later, targeting those who had come to help victims of the first bomb. | A second bomber then triggered an explosion minutes later, targeting those who had come to help victims of the first bomb. |
A man brings a child to the al-Kindi hospital after the bombing | A man brings a child to the al-Kindi hospital after the bombing |
Shop owner Farooq Haitham told Associated Press news agency onlookers had ferried the injured to hospital in civilian cars. | Shop owner Farooq Haitham told Associated Press news agency onlookers had ferried the injured to hospital in civilian cars. |
"This area has witnessed many explosions, but what can we do? We want to live, our need for money forces us to come again and work," he said. | "This area has witnessed many explosions, but what can we do? We want to live, our need for money forces us to come again and work," he said. |
The BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, Mike Wooldridge, says that markets of various kinds have been a particular target in recent days, many in predominantly Shia areas. | The BBC's correspondent in Baghdad, Mike Wooldridge, says that markets of various kinds have been a particular target in recent days, many in predominantly Shia areas. |
On Friday, an explosion in Ghazil pet market in the city centre killed 15 and injured 35 others. | On Friday, an explosion in Ghazil pet market in the city centre killed 15 and injured 35 others. |
An attack on a market in Baghdad's central neighbourhood of Bab al-Sharqi on Monday killed 88. | An attack on a market in Baghdad's central neighbourhood of Bab al-Sharqi on Monday killed 88. |
The Iraqi government has pledged to tackle the bloodshed from both sides of the sectarian divide as part of a new security offensive. | The Iraqi government has pledged to tackle the bloodshed from both sides of the sectarian divide as part of a new security offensive. |
There are growing calls in the US against the Iraq war | |
However, US President George W Bush's strategy for imposing security in Baghdad and beyond has faced strong opposition from Congress. | However, US President George W Bush's strategy for imposing security in Baghdad and beyond has faced strong opposition from Congress. |
The Senate is mulling non-binding resolutions to express its opposition to his plans. | The Senate is mulling non-binding resolutions to express its opposition to his plans. |
But on Friday, Mr Bush made it clear he will ignore any attempt by Congress to question his decision to bolster troop numbers. | But on Friday, Mr Bush made it clear he will ignore any attempt by Congress to question his decision to bolster troop numbers. |
A demonstration in opposition to the troop increase is now under way in Washington. | A demonstration in opposition to the troop increase is now under way in Washington. |
Thousands have gathered to put pressure on Congress to use its power to withdraw finance for the war in Iraq. | Thousands have gathered to put pressure on Congress to use its power to withdraw finance for the war in Iraq. |
Also on Saturday, Russia said it planned to question the US on its increasing military presence in the Middle East. | Also on Saturday, Russia said it planned to question the US on its increasing military presence in the Middle East. |
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he would seek an explanation during a visit to Washington next week. | Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said he would seek an explanation during a visit to Washington next week. |
He also said it was his "deep conviction that Iran and Syria should not be isolated and must be involved in the settlement process". | He also said it was his "deep conviction that Iran and Syria should not be isolated and must be involved in the settlement process". |