BAGHDAD
A policeman was killed Sunday and seven others injured when an explosives-laden truck went off near two security buildings in the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, security and medical sources said.
A militant drove the vehicle near an under-construction police station and another security building within close distance before blowing it up, according to Cap. Omar al-Jabouri. The first building sustained considerable damage, he added.
A medical source from Tikrit's general hospital said they received two bodies following the explosion, one belonging to the militant and the other to the policeman.
The hospital also received seven injured policemen, the source added.
Instability has been on the rise in Tikrit, capital of Saladdin province and hometown of former autocrat Saddam Hussein, who was executed in December 2006. In recent months, the city has been witnessing recurring explosions targeting security forces and government buildings.
Observers have warned that the recent uptick in violence in Tikrit might threaten the holding of the upcoming parliamentary polls, scheduled for April 30, in the city.
Recent months have seen increased upheaval across Iraq in general.
By Aref Youssef
englishnews@aa.com.tr
