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Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts
(10 minutes later)
At least 31 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts across Iraq.At least 31 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts across Iraq.
About 27 people died in multiple attacks in the north of the country, while at least four people were killed in blasts in Baghdad.About 27 people died in multiple attacks in the north of the country, while at least four people were killed in blasts in Baghdad.
In the bloodiest attacks, 12 people died when a bomb on a lorry exploded at a police station in Mosul. A suicide car bomb killed another 12 in Kirkuk.In the bloodiest attacks, 12 people died when a bomb on a lorry exploded at a police station in Mosul. A suicide car bomb killed another 12 in Kirkuk.
US military spokesman Maj Gen William Caldwell said there was a 22% rise in attacks in the capital during Ramadan.US military spokesman Maj Gen William Caldwell 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".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 violenceEscalating violence
Gen Caldwell said up to six suicide bombers attacked US and Iraqi targets in Mosul.Gen Caldwell said up to six suicide bombers attacked US and Iraqi targets in Mosul.
Police opened fire on a bomber as he drove an explosives-laden fuel truck towards the Tamam police station in the city. href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6067342.stm" class="">In pictures: Iraq carnage Police opened fire on a bomber as he drove an explosives-laden fuel truck towards the Tamam police station in the city.
The driver was shot dead, but the fuel ignited and set off the explosives, police said.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.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.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 blastBank blast
In Kirkuk, 12 more people were killed and 70 wounded when a car bomber targeted a crowded bank in a market area of the oil-rich city.In Kirkuk, 12 more 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.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.