Blast Tears Through Baghdad Pet Market

A bomb exploded in a pet market in central Baghdad on Friday, killing at least 13 people and wounding dozens, Iraqi police said, shattering the festive atmosphere as people strolled past the animal stalls.

Hours later, a suicide car bomber struck a police checkpoint in the northern city of Mosul, killing three policemen and 10 civilians, police Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Wakaa said. The 1:30 p.m. explosion also left 10 cars charred.

The attacks were among the deadliest in recent weeks, underscoring warnings by senior American commanders that extremists still pose a threat to Iraq's fragile security despite a downturn in violence since a U.S.-Iraqi security plan began in mid-February.

The first blast occurred just before 9 a.m. at the al-Ghazl market, shattering the festive atmosphere as people strolled past the animal stalls.

It was the first attack against the popular weekly bazaar since a U.S.-Iraqi security plan aimed at quelling spiraling violence began in mid-February, underscoring warnings by senior American commanders that extremists still pose a threat to Iraq's fragile security despite a downturn in violence.

The explosives were hidden in a box that is commonly used to carry small animals, a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to release the information.

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 60 wounded according to figures provided by police and hospital officials.

The Ghazl market, where sellers peddle birds, dogs, cats, sheep, goats and exotic animals such as snakes and monkeys, has been targeted in the past. On Jan. 26, a bomb hidden in a box of pigeons exploded as shoppers gathered around it, killing 15 people.

Friday's blast was particularly significant because it dealt a blow to an increased feeling of confidence among Iraqis about security gains that have contributed to a recent lull in violence.

The market had recently regained popularity after the lifting of a four-hour Friday driving ban to protect weekly prayer services from car bombings.

Abu Zainab, who owns a store near the market and about 150 yards away from the scene of the blast, said he had only reopened his business last week.

"I was reluctant to open it after lifting the curfew because of security concerns," he said.

"Today, the view of many young men coming with pets, colorful fish in aquariums and dogs was very encouraging and cheerful," he said. "There were also teenagers selling sandwiches and tea in wheeled carts giving the impression that life is back to normal again, but about 9 o'clock, we heard the sound of an explosion."

He described a scene of chaos, with birds flying into a sky filled with smoke and the bodies of young men who had been killed and wounded on the ground.

"We helped evacuating some of them, then the Iraqi police and army came and told us to evacuate the place because they feared another explosion could take place," he said.