Two separate attacks in the southern Iraqi city of Basra killed at least 14 people, including four American security guards, on Wednesday.
Iraqi police say a suicide bomber detonated his explosives filled car in front of a busy restaurant, killing 10 people and injuring 15 others.
Hours earlier, the four private American guards were killed in a roadside bomb blast in the Shi'ite dominated city.
In other developments, U.S. troops rescued American contractor Roy Hallums, who was kidnapped more than 10 months ago. He is reported in good physical condition.
Separately, the U.S. military says Iraqi and American forces have carried out dozens of joint operations in Baghdad this week, detaining more than 50 suspected terrorists.