Car Bomb explosion kills 30 in Baghdad

Iraqi authorities say at least 30 people have been killed in a car bomb explosion in a small town south of Baghdad.Officials say more than 20 others were wounded in the blast, which occurred Thursday outside a hospital in Mahmoudiya town.

Separately, the U.S. military says two American soldiers who were hit by gunfire in southwest Baghdad Wednesday have since died.

Earlier, a U.S official said defense lawyers for Saddam Hussein and his co-defendants are expected to attend next week's court session after authorities agreed to provide the "most robust security," following the murder of two defense lawyers.

However, sources close to defense lawyers said security talks were still continuing, and they were seeking protection for the entire team of 12 lawyers and their families, reports Voice of America. I.L.