Officials: Death toll from Iraq bombings up to 36

[June 28, 2013]  BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraqi officials say the death toll from a series of bombings late Thursday targeting soccer fans watching a match in cafes in and around Baghdad has risen to 36.

Police and hospital officials said Friday the toll includes 20 killed and 40 wounded at a large cafe in the city of Baqouba, 60 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad. The first bomb exploded near the entrance, followed by a car bomb targeting onlookers near the blast site. Rescue teams found several bodies on Friday morning.

Authorities late Thursday reported 16 dead and dozens wounded in attacks on other cafes in Baghdad and the Shiite town of Jbala south of the capital.

The officials released the information on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to journalists.

[Associated Press; By SAMEER N. YACOUB]

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