Wire: Coordinated Attacks in Baghdad Kill 103, Wound 197

Off the Wire:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2009 -- Newswire services this morning reported that a series of coordinated attacks struck Baghdad Tuesday, including three car bombs that blew up near government sites. At least 103 were killed and 197 wounded, authorities said.

The Associated Press reported that a total of four attacks, which also included a suicide car bomb on a police patrol, showed the ability of insurgents to strike high-profile targets in the heart of Baghdad and marked the third time since August that government buildings were targeted with multiple attacks that brought massive bloodshed.

It also was another embarrassment to Iraqi forces in their expanding role as front-line security as U.S. forces plan their withdrawal. The U.S. military has sent some troops and forensic equipment to assist the Iraqis in the aftermath, said Army Master Sgt. Nicholas Conner, a military spokesman.

Overall violence has dropped sharply around Iraq in the past year, though insurgents have stepped up attacks at government sites in recent months. The bombings marked the most serious spate of violence in Baghdad since twin car bombs on Oct. 25 struck outside Baghdad administration offices, killing at least 155. In August, suicide bombers hit the finance and foreign ministries, killing more than 100.

Iraqi officials blamed the October attacks on loyalists to Saddam Hussein's banned Baathist Party — even bringing out three suspects on national television who gave what officials termed confessions.

Iraqi officials blamed the October attacks on loyalists to Saddam Hussein's banned Baathist Party — even bringing out three suspects on national television who gave what officials termed confessions.

But there are questions whether leaders are trying to shift attention away from a possible resurgence of Sunni insurgents led by al-Qaida in Iraq. A rise in insurgent power could be a serious blow to the government's credibility before national elections, which are now expected to be held in late February. A decision on the final election date — originally scheduled for Jan. 16 — was possible as early as Tuesday.

Security forces worry the lead-up to the election date could bring an escalation in attacks seeking to discredit the pro-Western government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

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(Report from newswire sources.)

Source: Coordinated blasts hit Baghdad; kill at least 103