Terror blasts rock Iraq before polls

 
15 April 2013

Twenty-seven people died in attacks across Iraq today, less than a week before the country’s first elections since the 2011 US troop withdrawal.

Dozens of cars bombs and three roadside devices exploded during morning rush hour. Seven cities were targeted, including Baghdad, Tuz Khurmatu, Kirkuk, Nasariyah and Fallujah. More than 100 people were injured.

At least 10 died in Baghdad, with blasts in a commercial district, a bus station and at an airport checkpoint. No group claimed responsibility, but Sunni militants linked to al  Qaeda have tried to destabilise the Shia-led government before provincial polls on 20 April.

Attacks yesterday left 10 dead, including an election candidate. In one atrocity, a booby-trapped body exploded among policemen trying to inspect it.

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