Series of Explosions in Iraq Kill Dozens

Multiple bomb attacks mainly targeting Shiite worshippers have killed 58 people in Iraq, including 25 near the main Baghdad office of an anti-US Shiite cleric, officials said.

Photo: Series of Explosions in Iraq Kill Dozens

The violence demonstrated insurgents remain a potent force days after Iraqi authorities announced the killings of the top two al-Qaida in Iraq leaders in what they described as a major blow, The Press Association reports.

Iraqi military spokesman Major General Qassim Atta yesterday disclosed the arrest of al-Qaeda’s Baghdad chief, Manaf Abdul Raheem al-Rawi, six weeks ago. He said the detention had led to the capture and killing of scores of the group’s leaders and fighters, including al-Baghdadi and al-Masri. He warned the group would probably seek reprisals.

Iraq’s biggest political parties continue to vie for the right to form the next government and name a new prime minister, after parliamentary elections on March 7 delivered no clear winner. Iraqi officials have said insurgents have been trying to exploit a political vacuum, according to Business Week.