Suicide bombing in Iraq kills 45

A suicide bomber slammed his explosive-laden car on Sunday night into a busy cafe in Iraq’s capital, part of a day of violence across the country that killed 45 people, authorities said.

The bombing at the cafe in Baghdad’s primarily Shia Amil neighbourhood happened as it was full of customers. The cafe and a nearby juice shop is a favourite hang out in the neighbourhood for young people, who filled the area at the time of the explosions.

Another 45 people were wounded, Iraqi officials said.

Violence has been on the rise following a deadly crackdown by security forces on a Sunni protest camp in the northern town of Hawijah in April. At least 385 have died in attacks so far this month, according to an Associated Press count.

In a village north of Baghdad, a car bomb targeted a police officer’s house, killing his father, brother and five nephews, officials said.

Security forces meanwhile foiled an attack on the local council of the western town of Rawah by five would-be suicide bombers disguised in police uniforms, said Muthana Ismail, head of the local security committee.

Mr. Ismail said two attackers were shot while the rest blew up themselves up outside. Two police officers and an official were killed, while 20 people were wounded, he said.