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Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts | Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts |
(about 1 hour later) | |
At least 24 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts across Iraq. | At least 24 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts across Iraq. |
About 20 people died in two separate suicide bombings in the north of the country, while four people were reported killed in blasts in Baghdad. | About 20 people died in two separate suicide bombings in the north of the country, while four people were reported killed in blasts in Baghdad. |
In the bloodiest attack, 12 people died when a truck bomb exploded at a police station in Mosul. Authorities there imposed a curfew after the blast. | In the bloodiest attack, 12 people died when a truck bomb exploded at a police station in Mosul. Authorities there imposed a curfew after the blast. |
At least eight more people died when a suicide car bomber targeted a marketplace in Kirkuk. | |
The US military spokesman in Baghdad, Maj Gen William Caldwell, meanwhile has said there was a 22% rise in attacks in the capital during Ramadan. | |
Gen Caldwell said the increase was "disheartening", adding that a two-month campaign against insurgents in the city had "not met our overall expectations". | |
Escalating violence | |
Gen Caldwell said up to six suicide bombers attacked US and Iraqi targets in Mosul. | |
In the deadliest attack, police opened fire on a bomber as he drove an explosives-laden fuel truck towards the Tamam police station. | |
The driver was shot dead, but the fuel ignited and set off the explosives, police said. | |
Civilians bore the brunt of the attack, as many of the casualties were motorists waiting to buy fuel at a nearby petrol station. | |
Shortly after the blast, insurgents fired mortars and small arms and triggered explosions in the city, prompting the authorities to impose a curfew until calm was restored six hours later. | Shortly after the blast, insurgents fired mortars and small arms and triggered explosions in the city, prompting the authorities to impose a curfew until calm was restored six hours later. |
Gen Caldwell did not comment on any US casualties. | |
Correspondents say Mosul has witnessed a recent escalation of violence, with Sunni Arab insurgents battling US troops and the Shia-led government in Baghdad. | Correspondents say Mosul has witnessed a recent escalation of violence, with Sunni Arab insurgents battling US troops and the Shia-led government in Baghdad. |
Bank blast | |
In Kirkuk, about eight people were killed and 70 wounded when a car bomber targeted a crowded bank in a market area of the oil-rich city. | |
The attack happened as soldiers gathered at the bank to collect their salaries. | The attack happened as soldiers gathered at the bank to collect their salaries. |
Part of the building, two army vehicles and several other properties were set on fire by the blast. | Part of the building, two army vehicles and several other properties were set on fire by the blast. |
Earlier this month, Kirkuk was placed under a total curfew as Iraqi troops backed by US-led coalition forces searched for insurgents. | |
Meanwhile, police in Baghdad said at least two officers and two passers-by were killed in the south of the city after a double roadside bomb attack on a police patrol. | Meanwhile, police in Baghdad said at least two officers and two passers-by were killed in the south of the city after a double roadside bomb attack on a police patrol. |