VOA标准英语2009年-Twin Bombings Rock Central Baghdad, More T

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By Elizabeth Arrott
Cairo
25 October 2009

 
Iraqis gather at the site of a massive bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq, Sunday, 25 Oct. 2009
Iraqi police say two car bombs have claimed the lives of more than 130 people in central Baghdad. More than 500 others have been wounded in the Sunday blasts. 

The attackers struck just outside the Green Zone, the heavily fortified¹ area that houses many government buildings.

Police say the first bombing hit the justice ministry². Minutes later, another massive car bomb exploded outside the provincial³ government headquarters.

Ambulances rushed to the scene. Private cars were also used to ferry the many wounded to hospitals.

There was no immediate⁴ claim of responsibility.

While violence in Iraq has dropped dramatically since the height of sectarian fighting, the attacks were the second major security breach⁵ in Baghdad - a city filled with checkpoints - in two months. Twin bombings in August struck another two government buildings, killing⁶ about 100 people.

Baghdad blamed Syria for harboring the suspects in that attack, a charge Damascus denies. The accusation⁷ and suspicions have caused a rift⁸ between the neighbors that has yet to be resolved.

Sunday's bombings occurred as Iraq's parliament tries to pass legislation needed to hold elections in January. Successful elections are considered a benchmark of Iraq's return to stability after six years of conflict.

A recurring⁹ theme among those planning to take part is unity¹⁰ across sectarian lines.

The U.S. military plans to withdraw many of its troops after the vote. Any delay could affect the U.S. timetable for leaving the country.