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Series of Baghdad bombs kill at least 76
A coordinated series of bomb attacks struck Shia neighbourhoods in the Iraqi capital Baghdad last night, killing at least 76 people.
By Richard Spencer, Middle East Correspondent
Published: 7:29PM GMT 02 Nov 2010
The bombings took place after a day of funerals for those killed as police tried to free hostages taken by nine militants at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation on Sunday night Photo: REUTERS
The attacks, presumed to be the work of al-Qaeda or other Sunni extremists, continue a bloody week for the city, after the massacre of 46 Christians attending an evening service on Sunday. The 14 bombs exploded in sequence from 6.15pm near restaurants, cafés and other crowded locations. The biggest single toll was near a market in Sadr City, the impoverished Shia neighbourhood in the east of the city, where 15 people were killed.
Between 250 to 300 people were also wounded in the attacks, although most had been treated quickly and allowed to return home, according to officials. The bombings took place after a day of funerals for those killed as police tried to free hostages taken by nine militants at the Church of Our Lady of Salvation on Sunday night.
A letter of sympathy from Pope Benedict was read out, calling the attack “cruel”. It was claimed by Islamic State of Iraq, an al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group. Until that point, October had proved the least violent month in Baghdad for a year.
