Iraq

BAGHDAD — Back-to-back bomb blasts in a crowded market near a revered Shi’ite shrine and a string of shootings targeting government officials killed at least 17 people on Saturday. The bombings, which happened within about a minute of each other, appeared be aimed at intimidating Iraq’s Shi’ites, who are a frequent target of Sunni insurgents. Police said that at least 11 people were killed and that 35 more were wounded. The blasts struck about 500 yards from a shrine where two revered imams are buried, damaging nearby shops and buildings, according to police. The attacks came as many shoppers were out buying new clothes in anticipation of the Eid al-Adha holiday, which will begin in about a week. (AP)