A STRING of four bomb attacks within seven minutes killed at least 18 people and wounded 39 in northern Iraq yesterday, while a Baghdad carbomb injured 28, officials said.

A co-ordinated string of four bomb attacks within seven minutes killed at least 18 people and wounded 39 in northern Iraq today, while a Baghdad car bomb injured 28, officials said, ending a relative lull in violence that had fallen over the country in recent days.

IRAQ last night indicated it could suspend its missile destruction if the US presses ahead with its war plans.