Bombers kill at least 17 in Iraq
BAGHDAD (AP) – Suicide attackers struck near a Shiite mosque north of Baghdad and a checkpoint west of the capital on Monday as bombings killed at least 17 people nationwide.
The violence was concentrated in former Sunni insurgent strongholds that have seen a sharp decline in violence after local tribal leaders turned against al-Qaida in Iraq. Despite the relative calm, a series of deadly bombings have raised concerns about a resurgence of violence as the U.S. military scales back its presence, with a full withdrawal planned by the end of 2011.
The attacks – which mainly targeted checkpoints and Iraqi policemen – also highlighted the weaknesses in the Iraqi security forces, which are struggling to prove they are ready to take over from the Americans.