Top Iraqi official escapes blast

BBC

A blast at an Iraqi ministry during a ceremony attended by Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi has killed six people, although he only received minor wounds.

Police said more than 25 people were injured in the blast at the Public Works Ministry in central Baghdad.

It was unclear if this was an assassination attempt. Top Iraqi leaders are often militant targets.

The minister, who was taken to hospital to be treated for minor wounds, had just arrived when the blast occurred.

"We heard explosions and saw smoke, so we turned round and left. The vice president is at home and he's OK," an aide said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

However, later reports said the minister was taken to hospital to be treated for minor wounds. ....