18 people killed in two bomb blasts in Iraq

New Delhi: At least 18 people were killed in two separate car bomb attacks in Iraq's capital city, Baghdad.

The attacks took place despite an increased security cover for Iran President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's visit.

In the first attack, 15 people — mostly members of an army patrol — were killed when a bomb in a car that exploded as they were passing by. Thirty-five others were wounded in the attack.

Earlier a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a building used by the army.

Four were killed in the blast including two army personnel.

The US military claims violence has fallen by 60 per cent since it sent 30,000 more troops into Iraq as part of the surge strategy.