Twin bombings hit Iraq

Kirkuk: A crowded market in Kirkuk is the latest target of two suicide car bomb attacks that killed at least 10 people and wounding 60 others on Saturday, police said.

The first blast came from a car rigged with explosives, followed by a suicide attacker who drove a bomb-laden car into the area.

Hospital officials said most of those wounded in the explosions are in serious condition.

The blasts also damaged about 20 shops in Kirkuk's Rahim Awa distric. Several cars were burnt out.

Officials fear violence may increase outside Baghdad as US and Iraqi forces step up a crackdown on insurgents and militias in the city.

Meanwhile, US officials have raised a symbolic challenge to US President George W. Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq, voting on Friday for a resolution against the unpopular war strategy.