Twin suicide attacks kill 35in Baghdad

Twin suicide attacks ripped through the city of Taji north of Baghdad on Tuesday, killing at least 35 people, officials said, after Iraq suffered its deadliest month so far this year in June.

“Thirty-five people were killed and 28 wounded when a car bomb and an improvised bomb exploded simultaneously outside a government office where national identification cards are issued, and the provincial council offices,” the official said.

A police officer in Taji said that one suicide bomber in a car and a second with an explosives belt had caused the carnage.

“A car bomb exploded at the entrance of the identity-cards office, which is next to the provincial council building.

“When people gathered, a suicide bomber in their midst exploded his belt,” he said. He added that the mayor of Taji, security officials from the city and tribal leaders were in a meeting at the provincial council offices when the bombers struck. There was no immediate word on who the casualties were.

Baghdad security spokesman Major General Qassim Atta said the blasts struck at midday (0900 GMT).

Tareq al-Hashemi, an Iraqi vice president, condemned the violence, and said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki should speedily appoint ministers of interior and defence.

“Malicious political agendas are behind this crime and other attacks in Iraq, agendas that do not want a stop to bloodshed,” he said in a statement.

“A speedy decision is needed over the security ministries, and Maliki should begin serious efforts to end this case.”

AFP