Boy, 13, killed by roadside bomb on way to school

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was killed by a roadside bomb as he walked to school in the southern city of Basra, one of more than 20 victims of violence that continued to rattle Iraq yesterday as political leaders remained deadlocked over a new government.

At least one mortar round also slammed to earth within 50 yards of firebrand cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s home in the holy city of Najaf. The popular, anti-American Shi’ite leader was at home but not hurt, an aide said.

A child and at least one guard were wounded in the attack.