2/7/09
A car-bomb has delivered the first deadly challenge to Iraq’s security forces after the US withdrew combat troops from cities. A blast devastated a food market in the city of Kirkuk yesterday, killing at least 33 people and wounding 92. The early-evening attack bore the hallmarks of Sunni extremist groups such as al-Qa’ida. The bombing highlighted the violence many Iraqis fear will increase with the departure of US troops from urban areas, despite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s confidence in his security forces. US President Barack Obama, who opposed the 2003 war ordered by his predecessor, George W. Bush, hailed the US withdrawal as an “important milestone” but warned of days of bloodshed and violence ahead.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25721374-15084,00.html