Truck bomb near Baghdad mosque kills 24-police

BAGHDAD, May 28 (Reuters) At least 24 people were killed and 68 were wounded when a truck bomb exploded near Baghdad's largest Sunni Muslim mosque today, police said.

The blast, which could be heard across the centre of the capital, set at least 10 cars on fire in the busy business area of Sinak.

Television footage showed extensive damage to buildings near the mosque. The mosque was also badly hit by the blast, which shattered windows and damaged its minaret.

Police had earlier put the death toll from the truck bomb near al-Khilani square at 11.

Four days ago, gunmen attacked a convoy carrying US State Department officials in the same area. US military helicopters helped security forces repel the attack.

None of the State Department officials were hurt but police in Sinak said four civilians were killed and 11 wounded in the incident.

REUTERS GL ND1824