Bomb blasts rock cities in Iraq

The latest bomb blast to rip through a city in Iraq exploded in the oil rich province of Kirkuk where police say a total of three explosions killed nine and wounded 39.

The string of attacks, say sources have now claimed the lives of at least 39 people, the deadliest in the holy city of Kerbala where at least 13 were killed.

Sixteen car and roadside bombs have exploded across the country, one in Mahmudiya in the south killed three people.

The blasts come despite heightened security ahead of next weeks Arab League summit in Baghdad. Officials said about 100,000 troops have been deployed to safeguard the politicians.

Analysts believe the Iraq government will be in the spotlight as they host the regions leaders for the first time since the withdrawal of US troops in December.

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