27 killed in northern Iraq bombings

Two Shiite Turkmen leaders were among 27 people killed, and 60 others injured in twin bomb attacks in the northern Iraqi town of Tuz Kurmatu, Kirkuk governorate, on Tuesday. Security sources told Arab Today that the first blast targeted ordinary civilians in the street, whilst the second blast occurred inside a tent with Shiite Turkmen who had been protesting about the poor security in Tuz Khurmatu. The two Turkmen leaders killed in the bombings were identified as Deputy Governor of Saladin governorate Ahmed Kocha, and Vice President of Turkmen Front, Ali Hashim. During a meeting with official from Iraq's Interior Ministry on Monday, delegates from Tuz Khurmatu had called for the formation of a local security force to tackle the increasing crime rate in the Kirkuk district.