At least 10 die in attacks in Iraq

BAGHDAD ( AP) — Militants launched separate attacks shortly after sunset Sunday around the Iraqi capital, killing at least 10 people, offi cials said.

The deadliest took place in Baghdad’s eastern neighborhood of Sadr City when a car bomb exploded in an outdoor market for secondhand motorcycles and bicycles, killing six civilians and wounding 21, a police officer said.

Another police offi cer said a bomb- laden motorcycle exploded in Baghdad’s northern Waziriyah neighborhood, killing three civilians and wounding 12.

Gunmen in a speeding car also attacked a police checkpoint in the nearby town of Tarmiyah, killing one and wounding three, authorities said. The town, a former insurgent stronghold, is located about 30 miles north of Baghdad.

Three medical offi cials confirmed the casualty figures.

Insurgents have intensified attacks since last year in an attempt to undermine government efforts to maintain security nationwide. Last year was the deadliest since the worst of the country’s sectarian bloodletting began to subside in 2007. According to United Nations figures, 8,868 people were killed.

Also Sunday, offi cials said a military helicopter crashed the day before in a remote area west of the capital, killing its fourmember crew.