5 killed, 35 wounded in Tikrit blast

SALAH AL-DIN / IraqiNews.com: An explosion was heard in the Presidential Palaces in the center of Tikrit. Initial reports indicate that 5 have been killed, and at least 35 injured, security sources said today. Among the casualties are Provincial Council Member Mohammed Farhan, of the State of Law bloc, and Iraqiyah MP Jamal Shaibani. The source added that the explosion took place in the mosque within the presidential castles area. “The explosion may be due to a suicide operation inside the mosque, which is usually attended by high ranking officials with strict security precautions,” he added. No other details were given. Tikrit city, the center of Salah al-Din province, lies 175 north of the capital, Baghdad. RM (TS)/SR 556