Female suicide bomber detonates explosives belt in Baghdad, killing 54
Iraqi officials say a female suicide bomber mingling among Shiite pilgrims in northern Baghdad has detonated an explosives belt, killing at least 54 people.
A police official says the bomber struck on Monday while she was lining up with other women to be searched by female security guards at a checkpoint on the outskirts of the Shiite neighborhood of Shaab.
He says about 117 people have been wounded of which 18 women and 12 children are among the dead.
A hospital official has also confirmed the casualties.
In Washington, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden met with Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi. They discussed the elections, refugees and political and economic developments, according to a statement from Biden’s office.
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