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Scores killed in Baghdad bombings Scores killed in Baghdad bombings
(9 minutes later)
A series of car bombings have killed at least 118 people and wounded 197 in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.A series of car bombings have killed at least 118 people and wounded 197 in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
The first blast targeted a police patrol in the Dora district of the city. Four others occurred near official buildings within minutes.The first blast targeted a police patrol in the Dora district of the city. Four others occurred near official buildings within minutes.
Iraqi national security adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie blamed al-Qaeda militants for the attacks.Iraqi national security adviser Mowaffaq al-Rubaie blamed al-Qaeda militants for the attacks.
He told the BBC their aim was to destabilise the country ahead of general elections due in Febuary.He told the BBC their aim was to destabilise the country ahead of general elections due in Febuary.
"Al-Qaeda has been active in Baghdad recently," Mr Rubaie said."Al-Qaeda has been active in Baghdad recently," Mr Rubaie said.
"The aim is to show the government is unable to protect civilian and its own people and also to deter people from going to ballot boxes.""The aim is to show the government is unable to protect civilian and its own people and also to deter people from going to ballot boxes."
Official targets Women and children
The explosions on Tuesday shook houses across the capital.The explosions on Tuesday shook houses across the capital.
DEADLIEST ATTACKS SINCE 2003 Aug 2007: More than 500 killed in attacks on villages near SinjarNov 2006: 202 killed in multiple blasts in BaghdadApr 2007: 191 killed in car bombings in BaghdadMar 2004: 171 killed in bombings in Baghdad and KarbalaOct 2009: 155 killed in twin truck bomb attacks in BaghdadMar 2007: 152 killed in truck bombing in Talafar Source: News agencies, BBCDEADLIEST ATTACKS SINCE 2003 Aug 2007: More than 500 killed in attacks on villages near SinjarNov 2006: 202 killed in multiple blasts in BaghdadApr 2007: 191 killed in car bombings in BaghdadMar 2004: 171 killed in bombings in Baghdad and KarbalaOct 2009: 155 killed in twin truck bomb attacks in BaghdadMar 2007: 152 killed in truck bombing in Talafar Source: News agencies, BBC
Official buildings located near the blasts include the interior ministry, the social affairs ministry, a university and the institute of fine arts.Official buildings located near the blasts include the interior ministry, the social affairs ministry, a university and the institute of fine arts.
There were civilian and security force personnel casualties, officials said.There were civilian and security force personnel casualties, officials said.
Survivor Ahmed Jabbar, emerging from a damaged ministry building, told AP news agency: "What crime have we committed? Children and women were buried under debris."
Iraqi government figures have shown that violence generally has fallen over the past 18 months.Iraqi government figures have shown that violence generally has fallen over the past 18 months.
In October, however, co-ordinated bombs attacks killed at least 155 people and wounded hundreds in Baghdad.In October, however, co-ordinated bombs attacks killed at least 155 people and wounded hundreds in Baghdad.
Correspondents say that despite occasional massive bombings, insurgents stage frequent smaller-scale attacks against targets such as marketplaces, mosques or schools.Correspondents say that despite occasional massive bombings, insurgents stage frequent smaller-scale attacks against targets such as marketplaces, mosques or schools.
At least eight people - mostly children - died in a school bombing in Baghdad on Monday.At least eight people - mostly children - died in a school bombing in Baghdad on Monday.
Iraqi officials say security has been heightened ahead of February's elections.Iraqi officials say security has been heightened ahead of February's elections.


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