Death toll rises to 18 in Iraq bomb attacks

Twin car bombs exploded today near a major square in Baghdad, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens in the latest attack targeting a high-profile area in the capital.

The explosives-packed cars were parked a few hundred yards apart near a government agency that issues national identification cards, the telephone exchange building and a state-run bank.

The nearly simultaneous blasts occurred shortly after 11am as the area was crowded with people at the start of the work week.

Major General Qassim al-Moussawi, the main Iraqi military spokesman for Baghdad, said at least 18 people were killed and 42 wounded.

Those killed included four policemen and two women, according to police and hospital officials.

Persistent bombings in Baghdad and surrounding areas have raised fears that insurgents are stepping up attacks in a bid to foment unrest by exploiting political deadlock following inconclusive March 7 elections.

Last week, suspected al-Qaida-in-Iraq militants stormed the central bank and exchanged gunfire with Iraqi security forces in a stand-off that brought part of the capital to a standstill.