A suicide bomber blew himself up after detonating his explosives belt in a crowd of police recruits on Tuesday, killing at least 50 people and undercutting Iraqi security efforts as the nation struggles to show it can protect itself without foreign help.

The attack was the deadliest attack in Iraq since October 31, 2010, when armed commandos stormed mass at the Syriac Catholic Cathedral in Baghdad, killing two priests and 44 followers.

Suicide bombers attacked two police stations and a hospital Wednesday in Baqubah, Iraq, killing at least 32 people. Bombings to disrupt upcoming elections are anticipated, and this attack on security forces who guard the polling stations on Sunday, confirms those suspicions.

Two suicide bombers struck almost simultaneously at police stations in the center of the city. As emergency workers were transporting the wounded in ambulances, another suicide bomber detonated a vest rigged with explosives at the gates of the hospital, injuring and killing more. Twelve policemen were among those killed.

SOURCE: Los Angeles Times Iraq suicide bombings kill 31 as elections near