Date : 13/06/2010
BAGHDAD, June 13 (KUNA) -- The death toll of a series of bombings that
occurred in Baghdad on Sunday has risen to at least 16, with the injured going
up to 40, a security source said.
Speaking to KUNA, the source said the explosions, which went off near
Iraq's central bank as employees were leaving, led to the killing of 16
people, including women, and injury of 40 others, mostly bank staff.
Gunmen in military uniform involved in the attack were reported to be
fighting security forces within the bank compound, and to be taking several
bankers as hostages, the source added.
Joint and army forces tried to break into the bank, but two gunmen blew
themselves up in order to prevent their attempt, the source noted.
But, it was not clear if the attackers were trying to rob the central bank.
The latest bombings came one just day before Iraq's new parliament was due
to hold its first session.
Violence has dropped sharply in Iraq since 2006-07, but unrest has simmered
since the general election in March produced no outright winner.
A deal between the various parties to form a government and choose a prime
minister has not been reached and may still take weeks of negotiations.
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KUNA 131939 Jun 10NNNN