An Explosive Lunch

Courtesy of 'Canadian Press'

BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say 12 people have been killed in a suicide bombing today in a Kurdish city near the Iranian border where tensions have been high since last weekend's elections.

Kurdish and police officials say the bomber blew himself up inside a crowded restaurant in Khanaqin. The city's police chief Col. Azad Eisa says 15 other people were wounded in the attack, and that most of the victims were Kurds.

The disputed city has been a source of friction between Kurds and the Arab-run central government.

Hundreds of Kurds complained on election day that they couldn't find their names on voter registration lists.

The attack comes as Iraqi electoral officials prepare to release the first official preliminary returns from Saturday's vote for provincial councils.