A string of bombings across Iraq has claimed at least 55 lives, injuring 300 more, on Monday. The surge in violence comes barely a week ahead of Iraq hosting elections for the first time since US withdrawal from the country.
Officials said bombings hit 12 different areas, leaving 55 people dead and making Monday the country's deadliest day since
March 19, AFP reported.
The capital Baghdad and the surrounding area have seen 10 casualties, while the oil-rich Kirkuk, where tensions over resources have particularly spiked, has lost nine of its residents. The western Sunni city of Fallujah, the former Al-Qaeda stronghold of Baqouba and Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, also sustained attacks.
Most of Monday's deadly explosions were car bombings, including two blasts at Baghdad airport.
"Two vehicles managed to reach the entrance of Baghdad airport and were left parked there. While we were doing routine searches, the two cars exploded seconds apart. Two passengers travelling to the airport were killed," a police source said, cited Reuters.
Witnesses blamed authorities for being unable to provide adequate security: "I blame those who call themselves politicians in government [and] the security forces... for this bad security situation. They are doing nothing to help the people, and are only looking out for their benefits," said Qassim Saad, a Baghdad teacher who witnessed one of the blasts.
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