21 dead in Basra bombing
2006-06-03 20:00
Basra - A suicide car bomb exploded in Iraq's southern port city of Basra on Saturday, killing 21 people and wounding 80.
The explosion occurred in a crowded bazaar in the old part of the city.
Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki visited the restive city on Thursday. He declared a state of emergency in the area in an attempt to restore calm.
Stores in the historic area, which mostly sell cellphones, were badly damaged, and windows were smashed.
Pools of blood could be seen in the streets.
- AFP