In Iraq, casualties from five blasts that ripped through Baghdad yesterday, rose to 69 deaths and 171 others wounded. According to Voice of Iraq news agency, Baghdad had been hit by a series of attacks with car bombs and improvised explosive devices, which targeted four mosques and an outdoor market in different areas. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks but Iraq's prime minister has said that the wave of bombings were a reaction to the killing of two senior al-Qaeda figures last weekend.One of the blasts in Sadr City took place as hundreds of worshippers prayed in the streets close to the offices of a prominent Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr whose party has emerged as king maker in the elections. Analysts say,it appears that the attacks were targeted at the civilian population to take advantage of the ongoing political uncertainty after march 7 parliamentary elections. Iraqis are worried with the developments as US troops are also scheduled to leave the country by the end of next year.