75 killed in Iraq suicide attacks

TWO suicide bombers wearing vests stuffed with explosives blew themselves up in separate attacks in Iraq yesterday, killing 75 people, including many Iranian pilgrims, in the bloodiest day for more than a year.

The blasts occurred as apprehension grows in Iraq ahead of a pullout by US troops from city centres in June, and after warnings from officials that insurgent groups may try to take advantage to launch attacks.

A national election at the end of the year also threatens to stir a resurgence in violence just as the bloodshed of the past six years appeared to be receding.