Blast in Baghdad marketplace kills 72, injures over 100

The bomb was hidden in a motorcycle rickshaw loaded with fruit and vegetables which detonated on Wednesday evening at the Mraidi outdoor market in north Baghdad's Sadr City. The bomber abandoned his vehicle and ran off prior to the detonation.

Many women and children are among the victims.

This latest attack comes as U.S. troops prepare to hand over control of several Iraqi cities to local authorities by June 30.

The number of explosions has dropped in recent months in Iraq with May having one of the lowest casualty figures since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of the country. However recent violence, including a blast in Kirkuk on Saturday which killed 73, has pushed the death toll this month to over 150; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.