Blasts rock Baghdad as ‘Chemical Ali’ hanged

SUICIDE bombers struck near three hotels popular with Western journalists and businessmen yesterday just as Iraq announced the execution of Saddam Hussein’s notorious cousin known as “Chemical Ali”.

At least 37 people were killed and more than 104 injured, security officials said.

The blasts – coming in a span of about 15 minutes in downtown Baghdad – came shortly before state television announced that Ali Hassan al-Majid had been hanged.