At least 10 killed in Iraq suicide blasts

Two suicide bombers set off blasts that killed at least 10 police officers and injured 25 outside a police station to the south of Baghdad today.

Captain Muthana Khalid Ali said the attack happened in Hillah, about 60 miles south of Baghdad, when two suicide bombers wearing explosive belts blew themselves up in the middle of two groups - one group awaiting medical checks in advance of signing up for the police and another of policemen.

After the blast at about 6.15am Irish time, Iraqi police and soldiers immediately cordoned off the area.

Dr Ayad Jabr, of Hillah Hospital, said ambulances brought the bodies of 10 dead police officers to the hospital. Another 25 injured officers were also brought to the hospital for treatment.

About 500 policemen had gathered outside the local mayor's office to protest at a government decision to disband their special forces unit.

Ali alleged some policemen had presented fake documents to the Hillah mayor's office several months ago approving the opening of a special forces unit in this city.

But the new government, announced on April 28, discovered the documents were not legitimate and decided to close the special forces station, Ali added.