Seven dead in Iraq bombing

At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded in Baghdad today when a sticky bomb planted on a minibus exploded, security officials told AFP.

The attack occurred in the mixed southern district of Dora, which has been hit by a number of attacks in recent weeks, a security source said.

"Seven people were killed and 24 wounded after an IED (improvised explosive device) was attached to the bus," said another official from the interior ministry.

The bombing comes three weeks ahead of the planned June 30 withdrawal of American troops from Iraqi cities and major towns.

While bombings remain a regular occurrence in Iraq, the level of violence has dropped markedly in recent months. May saw the fewest Iraqi deaths from violence since the US-led invasion in 2003, with 124 civilians, six soldiers and 25 policemen killed by attacks, according to official figures.