Insurgents on Thursday unleashed a wave of attacks that killed 28 people and wounded dozens in central and northern Iraq, the latest in a series of persistent strikes aimed at undermining the government's authority.
The bomb and shooting attacks made for the country'sdeadliest day in more than three weeks, rattling nerves as families prepared togather for a holiday weekend.
More than 120 people have been killed in violence across thecountry since the start of August, showing that insurgents led by al-Qaida'sIraqi franchise remain a lethal force eight months after the last US troopsleft the country.
One of the day's deadliest attacks came around midday, whena car bomb struck near the local security forces' headquarters in the northerncity of Daqouq. As police rushed to the scene, a roadside bomb exploded,killing seven policemen. Another 35 people were hurt, police said.
A car bomb in Baghdad's northeastern and mostly Shiiteneighborhood of Husseiniyah killed another seven people and wounded 31.
Iraqi officials are tightening security ahead of the Eidal-Fitr holiday that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan thisweekend. Authorities are seeking to thwart a possible upsurge in violence ascrowds gather in public places such as parks, shrines and mosques to mark theoccasion.
"Our security forces have received intelligence thatterrorist groups are planning and preparing for attacks during and afterEid," said Abdul-Karim Tharib, head of the Baghdad provincial councilsecurity committee. "We ... have taken all necessary measures to foil anyterrorist activities during Eid."
An interior ministry official said security measures for theholiday will include an increased number of checkpoints and road closures neargovernment offices, parks and shrines.
