Bombs and attacks in Iraq leave 40 dead

Bombs in markets and other attacks in Iraq on Tuesday killed at least 40 people and a senior intelligence services have suggested that some guards accepted bribes to allow terrorists to circumvent the security measures around the Shiite pilgrims. The barrage of attacks heightened concerns that Iraq is sinking into violence after the last U.S. troops left the country late last year. More than 275 people have died in attacks in recent weeks, which are the bloodiest period after the American withdrawal. Six cities and towns were targeted in Tuesday's attacks. The worst occurred in Diwaniyah, 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Baghdad, when a truck with explosives hidden in plant exploded in a crowded market. Authorities said 26 people were killed and about 75 wounded. One of the sellers in the market, Salah Abbas, 41, described a scene of chaos after the explosion from the crowd. "There were many charred bodies on the floor," said Abbas, who rushed to help injured colleagues before the arrival of ambulances. "People were screaming and crying. arrived some to assist their families while others were running out," he added . "After rumors of more vehicles with explosives and triggered the panic." The military intelligence officer in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there were at least two security holes that somehow allowed the attack Tuesday's market, possibly by paying bribes. A guard at a checkpoint in the city of Diwaniya not properly registered the truck with the argument that could not stand the stench of rotting vegetables and fruits. Then another guard allowed the same vehicle entered the market instead of ordering that may be downloaded outside, as stipulated safety standards, the official said. "We do not rule have been paid some bribes at checkpoints," he said. The Tuesday's attacks came as hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims to the Shiite community are addressed this week to the city of Karbala for religious ceremonies to be complete on Friday. The Shiite pilgrimages are a favorite target of Sunni insurgents linked to al-Qaeda. The attacks during a similar march in Baghdad last month left 100 dead. Diwaniya is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Karbala, which was also white the explosion of two bombs hidden in parked cars in a market that left five dead and 30 wounded. Jubair al-Jabouri , director of the provincial council of Qadisiya, confirmed the death toll in Diwaniyah, a Shiite city and provincial capital essentially. Attacks attributed to al-Qaida. "Terrorism has no religion," he said. "The terrorists attacked the innocent today in Karbala and Diwaniya." No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blasts, which came after a month particularly bloody Shiite pilgrims, government officials and security forces.