Bomb kills 14 ahead of Gates' visit
At least 24 are dead from violence across Iraq. The Defense secretary affirms that stability is near, although 'much remains to be done.'
BAGHDAD — A car bomb exploded outside a crowded juice shop in central Baghdad today and killed at least 14 people, underscoring the persistent danger as U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited the city to see for himself the effects of a recent drop in violence.
The blast occurred in the capital's Karada district and could be heard from a couple of miles away. Iraqi police said 14 people were killed and at least 33 were injured, which would make the bomb the worst to hit the capital since September, when 32 people died in an attack in Baghdad's Bayaa neighborhood. Last month, at least 13 people were killed when a bomb went off in a popular Baghdad pet market.
The U.S. military announced the deaths of three soldiers in an attack on a complex the previous day involving a roadside bomb and small-arms fire in Salahaddin province, north of the capital. Another soldier was injured in the attack.
Today's blast took place near a Shiite mosque, which police said suffered some damage. It was not clear if the mosque was the primary target. It was one of three major explosions across the country today that killed at least 24 Iraqis.
The Karada blast occurred shortly before Gates, on his sixth visit to Iraq, appeared at a brief news conference in the Green Zone, the fortified enclave that houses the U.S. Embassy, military headquarters and Iraqi government offices.
"As you know, there has been in recent months a dramatic change in the security situation," Gates told reporters. "More than ever, I believe that the goal of a secure, stable and democratic Iraq is within reach."
But he conceded, "much remains to be done."
Though violence has dropped substantially since the summer, particularly in the capital, Iraqis continue to be killed daily by bombings, shootings and other attacks.
U.S. military and political leaders say violence could surge back unless Iraqi politicians seize the opportunity to pass legislation to consolidate the security gains. Gates was expected to emphasize that message to Iraqi leaders during his visit.
In the northern city of Mosul, Gates' first stop today, one person was killed when a bomb exploded near a police convoy, said police spokesman Mohammed Waga.
In Baqubah, also north of Baghdad, five people died when a van packed with explosives blew up outside the former mayor's office.
The building has been empty since it was damaged in a previous blast, but the area was crowded with pedestrians and cars. Several government offices and a school are nearby.
In the northern city of Kirkuk, two people died when a car bomb targeting a police commander's convoy went off. Police Brig. Gen. Sarhad Qadir said the apparent target was among the 10 people wounded.
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Special correspondent Ruaa Zarary in Mosul and correspondents in Kirkuk, Baqubah and Baghdad contributed to this report.
