Three car bombs have exploded in the southern Iraqi city of Amara, killing 30 people and injuring 45 others, police say.
Three car bombs have exploded in the southern Iraqi city of Amara, killing about 30 people and injuring more than 40 others, police say.
Reports say two bombs exploded in a car park packed with people waiting to travel to work, and a third detonated close by as people were fleeing.
Reports say two bombs exploded in a car park packed with people waiting to travel to work, and a third detonated close by as people were fleeing.
Amara is 350km (236 miles) south of the capital, Baghdad, in Maysan Province.
Amara is 350km (236 miles) south of the capital, Baghdad, in Maysan Province.
It is a mainly Shia area, and the scene of intense rivalry between several different Shia factions.
It is a mainly Shia area, and the scene of intense political rivalry between several different Shia factions.
British troops handed over responsibility for security in Maysan to Iraqi forces in August last year.
Police in Baghdad say the three bombs exploded in quick succession at about 1100 local time (0800 GMT).
Correspondents say it is rare for the area to experience car bomb attacks of this kind.
British troops handed over responsibility for security in Maysan to Iraqi forces in April.
A similar handover is expected next week in neighbouring Basra province, ending Britain's responsibility for security in four of Iraq's southern provinces.
A similar handover is expected next week in neighbouring Basra province, ending Britain's responsibility for security in four of Iraq's southern provinces.
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