Separate attacks in northern Iraq target security forces, kill 1, wound 27

Attacks in northern Iraq kill 1, wound 27

BAGHDAD — Two separate attacks targeting security forces in northern Iraq have killed a police officer and wounded dozens more, raising concerns about a surge in violence caused by heightened political tensions.

The attacks come as Iraq awaits a final decision on whether hundreds of candidates — many believed to be members of the once-dominant Sunni Arab minority — will be barred from contesting next month’s parliamentary election. U.S and Iraqi officials say barring Sunni candidates from the March 7 vote could cause political instability and destabilize Iraq’s Shiite-dominated government.

Despite an overall decline in violence in Iraq since 2008, insurgents have routinely targeted U.S. and Iraqi forces and staged massive bombings in Baghdad in recent months that killed hundreds.

Early Wednesday, a roadside bomb struck a patrol in the disputed northern city of Kirkuk, killing a police lieutenant, a police official said. Two also were wounded in the attack 180 miles (290 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad, he added.

Meanwhile, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle near an Iraqi army and police post in Mosul, 225 miles (360 kilometers) northwest of Baghdad, wounding at least 25, said another official. Ten civilians were among the wounded, he added.

A second bomb was discovered in downtown Mosul, a second official said, but it was dismantled by security forces.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the information.