Wave of fresh attacks kills 24 in Iraq

Two bombs aimed at police patrols exploded today in Baghdad as a series of attacks killed at least 24 people nationwide, while insurgent groups offered condolences for the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and warned they would continue his campaign of violence.

The first explosion missed the police patrol but struck the al-Sadriya market in a mixed Shiite-Sunni Arab neighbourhood in central Baghdad, killing four people and wounding 27, according to police Lt. Ali Mitaab and Lt. Thaer Mahmoud said.