Baghdad attacks kill 'at least 20'
At least 20 are dead following the Baghdad attacks
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Sunday, 13, Aug 2006 08:01
A deadly series of rocket and bomb attacks have struck the commercial district of Zaafaraniya in southern Baghdad, according to media reports.
Initially Katyusha rockets were fired before mortar bombs hit buildings in the area, killing at least 20 and injuring around 75.
Then as police and rescue workers attempted to tend to the wounded, insurgents opened fire on them, killing more people.
At least one building collapsed following one of the attacks, which may have been carried out by a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle.
The latest attack follows fast on the heels of pre-emptive strikes by occupying US coalition troops.
Yesterday US forces arrested 60 suspected insurgents while they were mourning at a funeral, while in another area of the city, troops killed 26 insurgents in heavy fighting.
US commanders are deeply concerned that if Baghdad does not stabilise within the next few weeks the entire country will descend into civil war.