The death toll from Iraq’s worst attacks in more than two years climbed to 155 today as the funerals from the victims of twin suicide bombings in the heart of Baghdad began.
Services were held around the city amid heightened security that jammed traffic during the morning rush hour.
The bombings targeted two government buildings, calling into question the government’s ability to protect itself as it prepares for January elections and the US military withdrawal.
“Sadness is overwhelming today in the office,” said one government employee, who asked not to be named.
“It’s as if we are sitting at a funeral in the office because many of our colleagues and people we know were killed.”
The attacks targeted the Baghdad Provincial Administration building and the Justice Ministry, wounding hundreds of people.
Officials revised the number of wounded down to about 500 today, from 700. There have been no claims of responsibility or arrests so far.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has staked his political reputation and re-election bid on his ability to bring peace to the country blamed, blamed the attacks on al Qaida and Baathists of the previous regime of Saddam Hussein.
The initial investigation suggested the vehicles, each packed with explosives, might have passed through some security checkpoints before hitting their destination.
The pickup truck that exploded near the Justice Ministry was carrying 2,000lbs of explosives, the initial investigation found. The second pickup truck that went off near the Baghdad Provincial Administration building was carrying 1,500lbs of explosives.
The coordinated bombings were the deadliest since a series of massive truck bombs in northern Iraq killed nearly 500 villagers from the minority Yazidi sect in August 2007. In Baghdad itself, it was the worst attack since a series of suicide bombings against Shiite neighbourhoods in April 2007 killed 183.
PA