Third car bomb in Iraq

A third car bomb exploded later today at a US-manned checkpoint to the Baghdad Green Zone, the heavily-fortified area that houses the US embassy and Iraqi government offices.

American troops surrounded a burning 4X4 – the type of vehicle used by western security guards – at the scene.

Iraqi police Lieutenant Khalid Mohammed said the bomb targeted a US convoy and there were casualties at the checkpoint, which is the main Green Zone exit for trips to Baghdad International Airport west of the city.

American contractors and diplomats commonly make the journey along the dangerous airport road in 4X4s.