Two car bombs exploded in Baghdad this morning, killing at least 31 people, breaking what has been a period of relative calm since the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The biggest blasts in the Iraqi capital in a month occurred as commuters were starting their work week, underlining the challenges facing Iraqi security officials in stabilizing Baghdad as the US forces end combat operations and Iraq's police and military assume responsibility for protecting the capital.
At least 10 people were killed when a car bomb exploded in western Baghdad's affluent Mansour neighborhood, says Army Brig. Gen. Ali Fadhal, and another 10 were wounded in the attack. "Dust and black smoke covered the area and I thought that the car bomb exploded near our office," said an eyewitness. Minutes later another car bomb exploded in northern Baghdad, killing at least 21 and wounding more than 70 others. Two policemen were among the dead. Insurgents have intensified strikes since President Obama declared an end to combat operations in Iraq. (More Baghdad bombing stories.)
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