22 killed in Iraq bomb blasts

A suicide bomber struck a crowd of curious onlookers gathered around the site of another blast today, killing at least 22 people and wounding 42, police said.

The twin blasts occurred moments apart during the morning rush hour in the mostly Shiite Kasrah section of the Azamiyah district in the northern part of Baghdad.

Police said the first explosion occurred in a car. The second happened when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in the middle of a crowd that had gathered around the vehicle.

Police were unclear how many died in each blast and gave only an overall total.

Violence is down significantly in Baghdad since the worst of the Sunni-Shiite fighting in 2006 and 2007.

In recent weeks, however, there appears to have been a rise in small-scale bombings during the morning rush hour – targeting Iraqi police and army patrols, government officials heading for work or commuters, in an attempt to undermine public confidence.

The continuing attacks show the determination of extremist groups to continue the fight against the US-backed government.

US President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to withdraw all combat troops within 16 months of taking office on January 20, although he has said he would consult with the Iraqi government and US commanders before ordering any drawdown.