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Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts Many killed in Iraq bomb blasts
(40 minutes later)
At least 31 people have been killed in a series of bomb blasts across Iraq. At least 41 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. Most of the deaths occurred in Mosul, where a suicide bomber blew up a lorry at a police station.
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. A suicide car bomber killed another 12 people in Kirkuk, while bombers also struck in Khalis and Baghdad.
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 the Muslim festival of 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".
Meanwhile US President George W Bush has said that the surge in violence in Iraq may be equivalent to America's traumatic experience in the Vietnam War.
But, speaking on ABC News, Mr Bush denied that the rising number of Iraqi and US military deaths meant the Iraq campaign was failing.
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.
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.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, killing at least three more people.
Gen Caldwell did not comment on any US casualties. The violence prompted authorities to impose a six-hour curfew until calm was restored.
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. Attackers also struck in Kirkuk, killing 12 more people and wounding 70 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 blast tore though a crowd of soldiers who had gathered to collect their salaries.
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.
Elsewhere, at least 10 people were killed when a roadside bomb ripped through the Shia market town of Khalis.
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.