Iraq's Leaders Appeal for Unity After Attacks Claim 161 Lives in Baghdad's Bleakest Day

Airport closed and curfew imposed after bombings

Guardian Unlimited

A barrage of car bombs and mortar rounds aimed at three street markets in Sadr City, Baghdad's biggest Shia district, brought carnage to one of the most densely populated suburbs of Iraq's capital yesterday and the heaviest loss of life on a single day in the country's sectarian war. At least 160 people were killed when at least five cars packed with explosives were detonated in rapid succession. The authorities imposed an immediate curfew throughout the capital to prevent revenge attacks, and late last night closed the international airport to all commercial flights. Leaders of Iraq's three main communities stood side by side on national television appealing for calm. President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, was grim-faced as he and his Sunni and Shia vice-presidents asked for unity and self-restraint...

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