Baghdad hit by two deadly market bombs

Up to 35 people were killed and dozens wounded in bombings at two Baghdad pet markets within 20 minutes of each other today.

A bomb hidden in a birdbox exploded at about 10.20am at the central al-Ghazl market, killing at least 17 people and wounding 27, police and hospital officials said. Six children and many teenagers were reported to be among the victims.

About 20 minutes later, another bomb targeted a bird market in the mainly Shiite southeastern neighborhood of New Baghdad. Police said four people were killed and nine wounded, including some children.

The bombings, which took place shortly before the weekly Islamic call to prayer, are the latest in a series of attacks chipping away at the recent security gains achieved by building up the numbers of US troops and a Sunni revolt against al-Qaida.

In late November, a bomb hidden in a box of small birds exploded at the al-Ghazl market, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens, but it has recently re-emerged as a popular venue after security was improved and a driving ban was lifted.

The US military blamed the November attack on Iranian-backed Shiite militants who had hoped al-Qaida in Iraq would be held responsible for the attack so Iraqis would turn to the Shiites for protection.