Several blasts shake central Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Jan 25 (Reuters) Three loud explosions shook central Baghdad today, sparking alarms and warnings in the international Green Zone urging people to take cover.

The first two blasts, just minutes apart, appeared to be mortar rounds or rockets and black smoke was seen rising from the area of the Green Zone. A third loud blast, about 20 minutes later, shook the Karrada district across the river from the Green Zone, and was followed by bursts of gunfire.

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties.

The Green Zone covers an area of several square miles, housing Iraqi government offices and foreign facilities. Mortar rounds frequently hit the area, and usually do not cause casualties.

REUTERS MS HS1930