Blast heard in central Baghdad

An explosion was heard in central Baghdad today, and there were reports of casualties. Smoke rose from an area in the city’s Jadiriyah district.

Witnesses said the blast was near al-Garmah Hotel and that there were casualties. Sirens were blaring as ambulances raced to the site.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear. A spokesman for the US-led coalition said he had no information.