Attack on Iraq army recruits kills 18

At least 18 Iraqi army recruits and soldiers were killed and 51 wounded on Tuesday when a suicide bomber blew himself up among them outside a recruitment centre in Baghdad, a deputy health minister said.

One police source said the death toll could be as high as 43, with 106 wounded, making it potentially one of the bloodiest attacks in recent weeks. Political tensions are simmering in Iraq after an inconclusive election more than five months ago and before the end of US combat operations this month. (Reuters)