Suicide bomber kills 60 in Iraqi Kurd city

Wed May 4, 2005 07:43 AM ET

By Shamal Aqrawi and Seb Walker

ARBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - A suicide bomber struck the offices of a Kurdish party in northern Iraq on Wednesday, killing at least 60 people in the bloodiest attack since a new government promising stability was formed a week ago.

Security guards and witnesses said a crowd had gathered outside the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) office, which also served as a police recruiting center, when the bomber hit.

"I was waiting in the queue to register my name in the police force. All I can remember is a huge explosion from behind which lifted me off my feet," said Abdul-Razaq Sarmab, 17, from his hospital bed, suffering from shrapnel wounds.

"The scene was like a slaughter house with body parts everywhere, heads, hands, eyes. It was terrible. Those who are doing this are animals because it is all against Islam."

A health ministry official in Arbil said at least 60 died and 150 people were wounded. A defense ministry statement said the suicide bombing killed 45 people and wounded 16.

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