Officials say twin car bombs kill at least 16, wound more than 40 in Baghdad

Iraq: twin car bombs kill at least 16 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say at least 16 people have been killed and more than 40 wounded in twin car bombs near a major square in Baghdad.

Police say the explosives-packed cars were parked a few hundred yards (meters) apart and blew up about the same time near government offices surrounding Nisoor Square. Sunday’s attack occurred shortly after 11 a.m. as the area was crowded with people at the start of the work week.

Police and hospital officials confirmed the casualty toll on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to release the information.

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

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials say twin car bombs near a major square in Baghdad have killed at least six people and wounded more than 40.

Police and hospital officials say the explosives-packed cars were parked near each other when they blew up about the same time near government offices surrounding Nisoor Square.

Sunday’s attack occurred shortly after 11 a.m. as the area was crowded with people at the start of the work week. Officials say two policemen were among the six killed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information with the media.