71 die in Baghdad bomb blast
February 12, The bomb blasts in Baghdad killed at least 71 people and wounding more than 150. Two car bombs and a bomb hidden in a plastic bag struck in two popular markets in Baghdad.
The police said that the violence started about 11:50 a.m when the parcel explosive material exploded in a crowded area near a popular take away Falafel restaurant in the Bab al-Sharqi area. After 30 minutes, two cars parked with explosive materials blew up and collapsed a building and setting stores on fire.
Medical and security officials said that a total of at least 71 people were killed in the bomb blast and more than 150 wounded by the bomb blast. A Defence ministry official said that they expected that number to rise and they were checking the hospitals.
A second bomb blasted in Haraj market, a kilometre away in the crowded Rusafa commercial district. According to the Islamic calendar, February 12 was the first anniversary of the demolition of the goldendomed Shia mosque in Samarra by Sunni bombers.
Mr.Maliki had ordered to search thousands of cars for weapons in the bomb blasted area. But several bombers apparently made it through the cordon. At the same time, German foriegn minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier confirmed that two German citizens have been missing in Iraq since last week. The minister said a German government crisis group had met on February 6 to work out what action to take to ensure their safe return to their families.
