Baghdad blast kills seven

on 17/09/2012 08:59:08

A suicide bomber crashed a car packed with explosives into one of the gates of Baghdad's heavily guarded Green Zone today, killing seven people, including three security officers, Iraqi officials said.

The attack took place during the morning rush-hour near the bridge over the Tigris River which connects the Karradah district and the Green Zone, where most government offices, the parliament and several embassies and foreign missions in the Iraqi capital are located.

The blast set several cars on fire, officials said.

A hospital official said 26 people, including eight security officers, were wounded in the explosion.

Violence in Iraq has ebbed significantly, but insurgents continue to stage high-profile bombings and shooting attacks.

More than a week ago, insurgents launched a string of attacks across the country, killing 92 people in one of Iraq's deadliest days this year.

Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attacks, and promised "black days ahead".