Iraqi city of Kirkuk hit by bombings, 27 killed

Three bombs targeting security forces in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk have left at least 27 people dead and injured dozens more, officials say, reports BBC. Two of the bombs exploded in quick succession near a police station. Many of the casualties were police officers who rushed outside after the first bomb went off. One official blamed al-Qaeda for the attack. Kirkuk, about 180 miles (290km) north of Baghdad, has seen violence linked to ethnic divisions in the past.