BAGHDAD, (Reuters) – A suicide blast killed at least 17 people at a police forensics office in Baghdad yesterday, officials said, the latest attack to raise doubts about Iraq’s ability to keep people safe weeks before a national election.
The blast came a day after suicide bombers in vans and SUVs, helped in at least two cases by gunmen with silenced weapons, attacked three Baghdad hotels, killing 36 people.
Two of the hotels are used by western visitors and media and the U.S. military commander said the attacks might be aimed at deterring foreign companies, and preventing Iraq from securing the investment it needs for future prosperity and stability.