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Iraqi Suicide Bomber Kills at Least 33

Posted Feb 10, 08 6:56 PM CST in World 

(Newser) – A suicide bomber killed at least 33 people and injured 45 in Iraq today just hours before US Defense Secretary Robert Gates made a surprise visit to Baghdad, the BBC reports. The car blast, sparked by six barrels of explosives, toppled buildings, and officials say more bodies may be dug out of the rubble.

In Iraq for his seventh visit, Gates met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and General David Petraeus today. He plans to gauge the success of the US troop surge, now almost one year old, ahead of congressional meetings in April. Military officials will likely tell Gates the surge is working, but that military, political, and economic support is still needed, a BBC analyst says.

Sources BBC, AFP

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In this photo provided by the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus, Commanding General Multi National Force Iraq, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Iraqi National Security Advisor...   (Associated Press)
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates reacts during the Conference on Security Policy in Munich, on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. Gates made a surprise visit to Baghdad today, amidst violence that claimed...   (Associated Press)
General David Petraeus met with Defense Secretary Robert Gates today in Baghdad. Gates will gauge the success of the US troop surge, which is nearing its first anniversary, ahead of congressional meetings...   (Getty Images)
Graphic locates Balad, Iraq, site of suicide car bombing; 1c x 2 inches; 46.5 mm x 50.8 mm   (Associated Press)
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Iraq • al-Qaeda • David Petraeus • insurgents • Robert Gates • troop surge • suicide bomber • Ryan Crocker • Sunnis


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