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Al-Qaeda group claims Iraq blasts Al-Qaeda group claims Iraq blasts
(about 5 hours later)
An group in Iraq linked to al-Qaeda has claimed it carried out the deadly series of bombings on three Baghdad hotels on Monday. A group in Iraq linked to al-Qaeda has claimed it carried out the deadly series of bombings on three Baghdad hotels on Monday.
The group, the Islamic State of Iraq, has claimed responsibility for three previous waves of co-ordinated bombings in the Iraqi capital.The group, the Islamic State of Iraq, has claimed responsibility for three previous waves of co-ordinated bombings in the Iraqi capital.
At least 36 people were killed in the attacks, which targeted hotels used by reporters and security contractors.At least 36 people were killed in the attacks, which targeted hotels used by reporters and security contractors.
The authenticity of the claim, posted on a website, could not be verified.The authenticity of the claim, posted on a website, could not be verified.
"The knights of Baghdad descended on the heart of this wounded city and targeted another set of dens of evil," Reuters reported the message on the website's bulletin board as saying."The knights of Baghdad descended on the heart of this wounded city and targeted another set of dens of evil," Reuters reported the message on the website's bulletin board as saying.
The attacks were followed on Monday by a suicide bombing at the interior ministry building, which killed at least 17 people.The attacks were followed on Monday by a suicide bombing at the interior ministry building, which killed at least 17 people.
No group has claimed responsibility for that attack.No group has claimed responsibility for that attack.
Attackers' vowAttackers' vow
However, Wednesday's message said more attacks would follow soon.However, Wednesday's message said more attacks would follow soon.
In the message, the bombers boasted that they were able to get their bombs past security checkpoints and security barriers.In the message, the bombers boasted that they were able to get their bombs past security checkpoints and security barriers.
In pictures: Baghdad bombingsIn pictures: Baghdad bombings
More than 70 people were injured in the Baghdad blasts, which officials said were caused by suicide car bombers.More than 70 people were injured in the Baghdad blasts, which officials said were caused by suicide car bombers.
They struck near the Sheraton, Babylon and Hamra hotels, which are popular with Western businessmen and media.They struck near the Sheraton, Babylon and Hamra hotels, which are popular with Western businessmen and media.
Attacks in August, October and December last year - which killed nearly 400 people - rocked the ministries of finance, foreign affairs and justice.Attacks in August, October and December last year - which killed nearly 400 people - rocked the ministries of finance, foreign affairs and justice.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki blamed the bombs in August and October on groups loyal to Saddam Hussein's now-banned Baath Party.Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki blamed the bombs in August and October on groups loyal to Saddam Hussein's now-banned Baath Party.
There have been fears of more violence ahead of a parliamentary election due to be held on 7 March. The vote is being seen as an important step in consolidating the democratic process in Iraq and keeping plans for a US military exit by the end of 2011 on schedule.There have been fears of more violence ahead of a parliamentary election due to be held on 7 March. The vote is being seen as an important step in consolidating the democratic process in Iraq and keeping plans for a US military exit by the end of 2011 on schedule.
It is to be the second parliamentary ballot since the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003.It is to be the second parliamentary ballot since the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003.