Double car bombing kills 10 in Iraq city of Kirkuk

KIRKUK, Iraq, Feb 17 (Reuters) A double car bombing killed at least 10 people and wounded 60 in a crowded market in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk today, police sources said.

The explosions occurred in Kirkuk's Rahim Awa district, a predominantly Kurdish area of the ethnically mixed city. Several cars and shops were burnt out.

Hospital officials said the condition of many of the wounded was considered life-threatening.

Iraqi officials fear violence may increase outside the capital Baghdad as US and Iraqi forces step up a crackdown on insurgents and militias in the city.

Some officials say militants are avoiding confrontation in Baghdad or may have left the city.

REUTERS SP PM1504