BAGHDAD — Insurgents detonated five car bombs in Baghdad
early Tuesday, killing more than 100 people and wounding more than 160,
according to Iraq’s Health and Interior ministries. The coordinated attacks
appeared to be a response to the parliament’s approval Sunday of national
elections early next year.
The insurgents once again targeted centers of government
power, with one of the bombs exploding close to the Labor Ministry in northeast
Baghdad.
The blasts rattled buildings across the city, and palls of smoke
rose over the Iraqi capital.
Three of the car bombs exploded on the eastern side of
Baghdad, and two on the city’s west side, including one close to the heavily
fortified International Zone.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
The bombings ended a period of relative calm in Baghdad
since Oct. 25, when three blasts that targeted government buildings killed at
least 155 people.
On Sunday, parliament ended months of sectarian bickering
and approved a law that spells out the conditions for holding national
elections. They’re expected to take place around Feb. 27.
Senior U.S. military commanders have warned that political
violence is likely to rise before the elections.
Via McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
