40 dead in Iraq attacks; official indicates security may have taken bribes to let bomber in

Source: AP

BAGHDAD — Market bombings and other attacks across Iraq killed at least 40 people on Tuesday, and one senior intelligence figure said he could not rule out that guards may have taken bribes to allow terrorists to penetrate security during a Shiite pilgrimage.

The latest attacks added to fears that Iraq is descending further into violence after the last American troops withdrew late last year. More than 275 people have died in attacks over the past month, the bloodiest period since immediately after the U.S. withdrawal.


Tuesday morning’s wave of bombings struck six Iraqi cities and towns. The worst hit was Diwaniyah, 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Baghdad, where an explosives-laden vegetable truck detonated in a crowded market. Officials said 26 people were killed and about 75 wounded.

Vegetable seller Salah Abbas, 41, described a scene of chaos after the explosion ripped through the crowd.

“There were many charred bodies on the ground,” said Abbas, who rushed to help wounded fellow merchants before ambulances arrived. He managed to push one to safety in a cart, but he said two others died at the market.



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