Iraq rush hour market bomb kills 7, hurts 21

[sabra]

Source: Reuters

BAGHDAD, Sept 18 (Reuters) - A bomb planted in a busy market in the Iraqi town of Mahmudiya, south of Baghdad, killed at least seven people and wounded 21 on Friday, police said.

The explosion shattered a relatively calm holy Muslim month of Ramadan, which ends this weekend and has been a favourite militant target in past years. It struck just as town residents were shopping for food to break their fast.

Police gave no further details. Sources at a local hospital confirmed the death toll.

Despite persistent violence, Iraqis have been venturing out in the evening this Ramadan and many say they feel safer than they have for years.

But the blast in Mahmudiya, 30 km (20 miles) south of Baghdad, was a reminder of the security woes Iraq faces six-and-half-years after the U.S.-led invasion to oust Saddam Hussein.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLI346016