英语文摘:16 killed, 43 wounded in violent attacks in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people were killed and 43 others wounded in violent attacks across Iraq on Monday, police said.

Eight people were killed and 20 others wounded when a car bomb exploded near a popular market in the neighborhood of Ur in eastern Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Another car bomb went off in the district of Karrada in central Baghdad, killing two people and injuring seven others, the source said, adding that one civilian was killed and five others were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near a market in the area of Bour in northwestern Baghdad.

Three soldiers were killed and three others injured when a roadside bomb targeted an army patrol in Muqdadiyah, 80 km northeast of Baghdad, a local police source said.

Two policemen were killed and eight people wounded when a suicide car bomber attacked a police checkpoint near the house of Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha, a leader of the pro-government Sahwa militia forces in the city of Ramadi, 100 km west of Baghdad, a police source said.

Iraq is witnessing its worst violence in recent years. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, a total of 8,868 Iraqis, including 7,818 civilians and civilian police personnel, were killed in 2013, the highest annual death toll in recent years.