Car bomb in Baghdad kills 19, wounds 46

BAGHDAD: At least 19 people were killed and 46 wounded when a car bomb exploded in central Baghdad on Monday, police said.   

The blast, which could be heard across the centre of the capital, set at least 10 cars on fire in the busy business area of Sinak.   

Police had earlier put the death toll from the car bombing near al-Khilani square at 11.   

Four days ago, a convoy carrying US State Department officials was attacked by gunmen in the same area.

US military helicopters helped security forces repel the attack.   

None of the State Department officials were hurt but police in Sinak said four civilians were killed and 11 were wounded in the incident.