Bombs targeting soldiers, shoppers kill 11 in Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP) — A suicide bomber has attacked an army checkpoint north of Iraq's capital, part of a day of violence that's killed 11 people across the country.

Police say the suicide bomber killed five soldiers and wounded eight Saturday in Mishada, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the capital.

Also Saturday, police said two bombs planted in Baghdad's predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Dora killed four people. Later, police said a roadside bomb killed two soldiers on patrol and wounded five people in Tarmiyah, 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Baghdad.

Health officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

The uptick in violence comes as Iraqis prepare to hold a crucial parliamentary election on April 30.