Terrorists 'use Down's syndrome suicide bombers' to kill 70 in Iraq

REMOTE-CONTROLLED explosives strapped to two women with Down's syndrome were detonated in co-ordinated attacks on pet bazaars in Baghdad yesterday, Iraqi officials said.

The explosions – which Iraqi officials said were detonated by mobile phone, suggesting the women may not have been aware of what was happening – killed at least 73 people and wounded more than 160 in the deadliest day since the United States sent 30,000 extra troops to the capital in spring last year.

The attacks happened at the central al-Ghazl market, where at least 46 were killed, and a market in the New Baghdad area.

Brigadier-General Qassim al-Moussawi, the chief Iraqi military spokesman in Baghdad, claimed that both the women involved, who were killed, had Down's syndrome.

"The operation was carried out by two booby-trapped mentally disabled women," he said.

"Forensic and bomb squad experts as well as the people and traders of al-Shorja area of the carpet market have confirmed that the woman who was blown up there today was often in the area and was mentally disabled.

"In the New Baghdad area, the shop owners and customers of the pet market confirmed that the woman who was blown up there was mentally disabled as well," Brig-Gen Moussawi said.

"The al-Qaeda terrorists and criminals are proud of this method."

Ryan Crocker, the US ambassador to Iraq, said the bombings showed that a resilient al-Qaeda had "found a different, deadly way" to try to destabilise Iraq.

"There is nothing they won't do if they think it will work in creating carnage and the political fall-out that comes from that," he said.

Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said the use of the women proved al-Qaeda was "the most brutal and bankrupt of movements" and would strengthen Iraqi resolve to reject terrorism. "It certainly underscores and affirms the decision of the Iraqi people that there is no political programme here that is acceptable to a civilised society," she said.

The first attack happened at about 10:20am in the al-Ghazl market. The weekly bazaar has been bombed several times since the war started but recently had re-emerged as a popular place to shop and stroll as Baghdad security improved and a Friday ban on driving was lifted.

About 20 minutes later, a second bomb went off at a bird market in a predominantly Shiite area of south-eastern Baghdad. That blast killed as many as 27 people and wounded 67, according to officials.

One witness, who declined to be identified, said the woman said she had birds to sell, then blew up as people gathered around to inspect them.

The attacks were the latest in a series of violent incidents that have been chipping away at Iraqi confidence in the permanence of recent security gains.

Jalal Talabani, Iraq's president, said a total of about 70 people were killed in both attacks, which he said were committed by terrorists motivated by revenge and "to show that they are still able to stop the march of history and of our people toward reconciliation".

One pigeon vendor said the market had been particularly busy because the weather had improved.

"I have been going to the pet market with my friend every Friday, selling and buying pigeons," said Ali Ahmed, who was hit by shrapnel in his legs and chest.

"It was nice weather today and the market was so crowded."

He said he was worried about his friend, Zaki, who disappeared after the blast, about 40 yards away.

"I just remember the horrible scene of the bodies of dead and wounded people mixed with the blood of animals and birds, then I found myself lying in a hospital bed," Mr Ali said.