Suicide Blast at Restaurant in Baghdad Kills 25

A suicide bombing killed at least 25 people this morning at a central Baghdad restaurant frequented by police, officials and witnesses said.

The death toll initially was believed to be about 10. Later reports had higher numbers but differed on the exact toll and whether there were one or two bombers. Several of the victims were reportedly police officers.

The blast echoed for several miles through the center of the capital.

Police Maj. Abdel-Hussein Minsef said two bombers attacked the restaurant. Another police official said one.

It was one of the biggest attacks in recent weeks and came the day after at least six people were killed and 25 wounded when two car bombs exploded near a police station in Baghdad.

Samiya Mohammed, a homemaker who lives nearby, said she rushed outside when she heard the explosion.

“I went out to see the restaurant heavily damaged. There were bodies, mostly civilians, and blood everywhere inside the place. This is a criminal act that only targeted and hurt innocent people having their breakfast,” she said.

There were no Americans in the area, she said.