Baghdad hit by twin car bombs

Sun Oct 25 2009 17:05:56

Twin car bombs targeting two government buildings have killed at least 130 people, and wounded many more, in central Baghdad.

It's the bloodiest attack in the Iraqi capital for months.

Violence has fallen since US-backed tribal sheikhs helped wrest control from al-Qaeda militants and Washington sent extra troops, but attacks are still common in a nation trying to rebuild after decades of conflict, sanctions and strife.

Two strong blasts shook buildings and smoke billowed from the area in central Baghdad near the Tigris river. The first blast targeted the justice ministry and the second, minutes later, was aimed at the provincial government building.

Another police source said that the bombs were not suicide bombings.

The attacks may undermine confidence in prime minister Nuri al-Maliki before the parliamentary election next year, and could also deter oil companies and other foreign investors.

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