A huge explosion hit the heart of Baghdad Thursday, sending up plumes of thick black smoke above the central part of the capital. Police officer Riad Sattar said the blast was caused by a car bomb that hit Nasser Square on Saadoun Street, a densely populated commercial area with major hotels housing foreigners. An Associated Press reporter on the scene reported seeing at least one body being dragged from the rubble. Several bloodied and burned victims were being carried away from the area. A giant crater was gouged into the ground, and at least 12 cars were completely mangled and in flames. Firefighters were trying to extinguish the fire as police sealed off the area. Ambulance sirens were heard wailing nearby.
