Iraqi Al Qaeda claims suicide bombing campaign

Iraq's Al Qaeda says it is waging a nationwide suicide bombing campaign to avenge a military offensive on a rebel town, as explosions in Baghdad killed at least 150 people.

Al Qaeda's statement was carried by an Islamist website often used by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's Sunni militant group.

It did not mention any specific attack, but most of those killed were Shiite Muslims.

"We would like to congratulate the Muslim nation and inform them the battle to avenge the Sunnis of Tal Afar has begun," the statement said, referring to the northern town being bombarded by US and Iraqi forces.

"Our brigades have joyfully set off to uphold their religion through death ... we will inform you of the details of our operations in Baghdad and other parts of the country soon and we ask for your prayers," the statement said.

More than 200 insurgents have been killed and several hundred captured in Tal Afar, government reports say.

Bombs have been exploding across Baghdad all day.

In one explosion, 114 people were killed and 156 wounded when a suicide attacker lured Shiite labourers to his minivan and blew it up.

Iraqi Government officials have accused Sunni Arab militants of attacking majority Shiites in a bid to spark a civil war.

- Reuters

In other developments:

A suicide bomber has blown up his minibus after luring a crowd of men to the vehicle with promises of work in Baghdad, killing at least 114 people and wounding 156, police and officials say. (Full Story)

Gunmen have dragged 17 people out of their homes just north of Baghdad and killed them, police say.Link Here