Bombings Rock Baquba Ahead of Iraq Elections

On Wednesday, Baquba, located in the North of Iraq was hit by a number of suicide bombings which killed around 31 people while injuring 48 people.

The attack, which was said to be carried out in three stages was the most fatal compared to those experienced in the past few weeks, and took place just a few days prior to the Iraqi parliamentary elections.

According to the police, the first two explosions took place, when the two suicide bombers drove cars packed with explosives which damaged police stations and government buildings. A third suicide bomber in an ambulance which was carrying victims from the first two explosions detonated the third bomb at the Baquba emergency hospital.

Responsibility has not been claimed by any militant group as of yet. Following the three explosions, curfew was declared in the city by the Iraqi police. They also said that they had taken in four suspects.

Iraqi and U.S. officials both foresaw an increase in insurgent violence, saying the time prior to the parliamentary elections would probably experience a number of attacks.

According to statements made by Iraqi officials, most of the fatalities were policemen who were sent in to help protect the area prior to the elections.

The election, scheduled for the 7th of March, is the second of its kind since Saddam Hussein was overthrown in 2003.

Political analysts say that this is a test of Iraq’s capability to maintain law, order and security, while attempting to carry out a smooth switch of power following many years filled with war and sectarian violence.