Suicide Bombers Strike Iraqi Security Recruits

Security officials in Iraq say at least two suicide bombers staged an attack at a security forces' recruitment facility, northeast of Baghdad, Tuesday morning, killing at least 28 people. VOA'S Suzanne Presto reports from the northern city, Irbil.

An American military spokeswoman in Baghdad, Petty Officer Sarah Langdon, says early investigations indicate that more than one suicide bomber was involved in the attack targeting police recruits.

"There was a multiple suicide vest attack this morning around 8 am, northeast of Baquba," said Langdon. "We believe that the attack was against Iraqi police recruits in the area."

Iraqi security officials say at least 28 people were killed and nearly 57 others were wounded in the multiple blasts. They say the attack targeted Iraqi army recruits, not police recruits.

Baquba is the capital of Diyala, a restive province that borders Iran. About three weeks ago, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that the Iraqi army would launch a security operation targeting extremists in Diyala.

Last month, a female suicide bomber detonated explosives in Baquba, killing at least 16 people and wounding 40 others.