Iraqi security officials say a triple bomb attack targeting Iraq's industry minister has killed at least 14 people and wounded more than 70 in southern Baghdad.
The minister, Fawzi al-Hariri, survived the bombings, but three of his bodyguards were among those killed.
Officials say a car bomb and two roadside bombs exploded Wednesday, as the minister's convoy passed through a predominantly Christian neighborhood, Camp Sara. The blasts severely damaged several buildings and destroyed many cars.
Meanwhile, a U.S. military spokesman in Iraq, Major General William Caldwell, says Iraqi authorities have demobilized an entire police brigade in Baghdad for alleged complicity with militias. The spokesman says those police will undergo re-training.
At least 17 American troops have been killed in Iraq in the last four days.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.