40 killed in suicide attacks in Iraq

BAGHDAD - At least 40 people were killed and 34 injured in suicide bombings in Iraq Sunday, in which members of the government-backed Sahwa militia were targeted, said security sources.

Around 36 people were killed and 28 injured in a suicide bombing in the Sunni-dominated area of al-Radwaniya in southwestern Baghdad, where Sahwa members had gathered to collect their salaries.

The leader of Sahwa in al-Radwaniya, al-Haj Abd, and four of his brothers are among those killed, the security sources told DPA.

Security sources said two suicide bombers had carried out the attack.

In al-Anbar province, four Sahwa fighters were killed, including Sahwa leader in the area Khelief Ahmed.

Six people were injured in the attack on a meeting for Sahwa in al-Qaem area, some 500 km west of Baghdad, police said.

The Sahwa, or Awakening Councils, are made up of former Sunni insurgents who have been supporting the government in its fight against Al Qaeda and helping restore order in the country.