Attacks kill 9 worshipers in Iraq

         
Mortar fire and bombs targeting worshipers killed nine people and wounded 29 others on Friday in two attacks north of Baghdad shortly after noon prayers.               

The new violence came a day after a suicide bombing attack on a Baghdad cafe that killed 36 people and wounded dozens.             

Violence has been on the rise ahead of provincial elections set for Saturday. The vote is for local officials in several provinces across the country, including the capital, Baghdad. Authorities have been pledging to bolster security ahead of the elections                   

Police said the first attack came just after Friday prayers as the worshipers were leaving the Sunni mosque of al-Muthana in Khalis, killing seven worshipers and wounding 14 others.               

Khalis, a former stronghold of Sunni insurgency, is 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Baghdad.                 

Police said part of the mosque was destroyed in the mortar attack.                 

In the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, police said a roadside bomb exploded among Shiite worshipers as they were heading home after prayers in al-Tamimi mosque, killing two worshipers and wounding 14 others.               

Medics in nearby hospitals confirmed the dead toll. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to reporters.          


AP