Bomb and mortar attacks killed at least 24 people in Iraq yesterday during its second parliamentary election since US-led forces ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.

Baghdad, Fallujah, Baquba, Samarra and other cities in Iraq were hit by mortar rounds or bombs, many of them exploding near polling stations.

In Baghdad, a Katyusha rocket flattened a residential building, killing 12 people and wounding 10.

Iraq has held its parliamentary elections, amid threats and violence aimed at keeping voters from the polls. Results are expected in the coming day. The AP’s Matt Ford has more from Southern Iraq. Nasiriyah, Iraq festive … music in streets to encourage people to vote.

Nasiriyah is Iraq’s fourth most populated city after Baghdad, Basra and Mosul. Seven years ago, March 23, 2003, a supply convoy of the U.S. Army took a wrong turn into Nasiriyah and was ambushed. Eleven soldiers were killed and six soldiers, including Private Jessica Lynch, were captured. The convoy fought off Iraqi counterattacks for several hours, until being rescued by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. During heavy urban fighting, 18 Marines were killed including at least one Marine who was killed when A-10s mistakenly strafed a company of Marines north of the Saddam Canal.

Wikipedia: Nasiriyah | Battle of Nasiriyah

SOURCES:
The Australian Iraq poll marred by blast deaths

Reuters/Yahoo! News Iraq holds landmark vote, attacks kill 38

A car bomb exploded about 100 yards from a bus for pilgrims in the Shiite holy city of Najaf (100 miles south of Baghdad) Saturday, killing at least three people — including two two Iranian pilgrims.

Injured people from the blast were transported to al-Hakeem hospital.

The car bomb was detonated one day before Iraqis vote in key parliamentary elections. More than 6,000 candidates are competing for 325 seats in the Iraqi parliament.

Wikipedia: Najaf

SOURCE: CBS Car Bomb Kills 3 Before Iraq Election Day