Baghdad death toll up to 36 from four explosions
Four explosions, including two car bombs and a suicide bomber, rocked the Iraqi capital of Baghdad this morning, killing at least 36 people and injuring scores more.
A man wearing an explosives belt blew himself up at a fuel station in the eastern New Baghdad neighbourhood, killing 23 people and injuring 51, said Interior Ministry official Maj. Falah al-Mohammedawi.
A car bomb targeting a police patrol in the same neighbourhood killed nine people and injured 17 – all civilians – said police Lt. Alu Abbas.
Another car bomb exploded near a Shiite mosque in the crowded south-eastern Karada neighbourhood, killing four people and injuring 16, said al-Mohammedawi. The vehicle was parked next to a small market opposite the Timimi mosque, which was closed for repairs.
Distraught residents rushed to the scene, as firefighters fought flames from a burning car.
A fourth blast took place in an open area near the national theatre, al-Mohammedawi said, with reports indicating a mortar blast. There were no reports of casualties.
