More than 30 were killed and dozens injured in four separate car bombs that rocked two Shiite-dominated markets in Iraq on Friday.
The Baghdad bombings — which targeted an outdoor pet market and a vegetable market — were the latest in sectarian attacks led by suspected Sunni rebels against the predominantly Shiite government, according to The Associated Press.
The bombings occurred as thousands of anti-government protesters rallied across western and northern regions of the country, blocking highways to Jordan, AP reported.
Al Qaeda militants have been trying to persuade Sunni protesters to launch an armed uprising against the government, AP said, but have so far failed.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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