Two car bombs killed ten civilians today in a blast at a petrol station in central Iraq and another one targeting a two-car convoy carrying foreigners through central Baghdad, police said.

Sunni Muslims protested at the killing of a tribal leader today while a statement posted on the internet said a bombing that killed 11 people was in retaliation for the assassination of the respected sheikh.

Gunmen wearing Iraqi army uniforms burst into the home of a Sunni Arab sheikh today, killing him, three of his sons and a son-in-law in what police believe may have been aimed at discouraging Sunnis from participating in next month’s election.

Gunmen wearing Iraqi army uniforms broke into the home of a Sunni parliamentary candidate today and killed him, his three sons and his son-in-law on the outskirts of Baghdad.