Six killed in Iraq minibus blast

At least six people were killed and 31 wounded when a minibus exploded near a market district in Baghdad today, Iraqi officials said.

Black smoke rose into the air after the blast struck a transit point near Tayaran Square at about 1pm local time.

The minibus was one of several waiting for passengers heading to predominantly Shiite areas in eastern Baghdad.

Several nearby cars and kiosks also were damaged, the officials said.

The bombing came hours after the expiration of a vehicle ban that had been imposed in the capital yesterday ahead of Iraq’s soccer final against Saudi Arabia.

Iraq won the championship and tens of thousands of Iraqis poured into the streets for largely-peaceful celebrations, but four people were killed in celebration gunfire.