Police: 12 killed, at least 25 injured in Baghdad bombings near central bank

Iraqi police say 12 killed, 25 wounded in blasts

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security officials say a series of bomb blasts near the Central Bank of Iraq has killed 12 people and injured at least 25 others. A Baghdad police officer and a Ministry of Interior official said the blasts Sunday from several roadside bombs may have been set to target bank employees as they were leaving work.

The police officer said the mid-afternoon bombs detonated over an eight-minute period, suggesting a coordinated attack.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Black smoke could be seen over central Baghdad’s skyline following the attack.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Lawyers for a British security contractor accused of fatally shooting two colleagues are fighting a medical report stating he is mentally able to stand trial.

The legal appeal has postponed the trial of Danny Fitzsimons until August 4.

Baghdad criminal court judge Ali Abbas al-Yousif said Sunday that doctors found Fitzsimons’ mental condition normal.

But al-Yousif said a second panel of doctors will conduct another examination in response to Fitzsimons’ appeal.

Fitzsimons is accused of shooting two colleagues, a Briton and an Australian, during a fight in Baghdad’s Green Zone last summer and then wounding an Iraqi while fleeing.

All three men were working for the British security firm ArmorGroup Iraq.