JOIN USIraqi officials said on Friday that a blistering string of attacks across the country the previous day ultimately killed at least 93 people, as the extent of the violence grew clearer and mourners started to bury their dead.
Thursday’s attacks began early in the north of Iraq and ended with deadly bomb explosions near busy markets, restaurants and ice cream parlors shortly before midnight.
It was Iraq’s deadliest day in more than three weeks. The attacks seemed meant to strike fear in Iraqis and undermine faith in the Shiite-led government’s security measures ahead of what was supposed to be a festive holiday weekend.
Since the start of August, more than 190 people have been killed in violence across Iraq, showing that insurgents led by al-Qaida’s Iraqi franchise remain a lethal force eight months after the last US troops left the country. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.