A massive explosion shook the Hurriyah neighborhood of Baghdad today when a car filled with explosives blew up killing seven people and injuring another 17.

The huge explosion took place near a bus stop in the neighborhood. The blast destroyed several minibuses that were nearby. Several othe cars were either damaged or destroyed and massive damage was taken by buildings nearby when the explosives in the car detonated. Security forces quickly sealed off the area and firefighters moved in with hoses and equipment to clean up the area.

Also on Thursday, a roadside bomb exploded as a convoy passed by that was headed to Baqouba City. In the convoy was the head of the Diyala University, Fadhil al-Dulaimi. Although al-Dulaimi was not hurt in the attack, two of his bodyguards were killed and another two were wounded.

Late on Thursday, another roadside bomb went off, killing at least one civilian and wounding three policeman. That bomb was targetting a police patrol traveling through southeastern Baghdad.

Although ono one has come forward to claim responsibiolity for the attacks as yet, it is widely believed that the attacks were carried out by members of the Sunnis in that country. Sunni extremists have been carrying out attacks on Shiites in Iraq throughout the year.