11 'negligent' Baghdad security officials held after blast carnage

ELEVEN Iraqi officers responsible for security have been arrested on suspicion of negligence after bomb attacks in Baghdad killed at least 95 people.

The arrests follow an investigation into security failings that may have allowed truck bombers to drive into the capital's centre on Wednesday and cause two bombs to explode near ministry buildings. Hundreds of people were injured and widespread damage caused in the blasts, apparently aimed at official buildings in the Green Zone and commercial interests.

Prime minister Nouri al-Maliki said the bombings showed the need for "a re-evaluation of our plans and our security methods". There have been fears about the ability of Iraqi authorities, who took over responsibility from US forces for protecting urban areas at the end of June.

The 11 detained officers were police and army commanders responsible for security, traffic and intelligence in Baghdad.

A military spokesman said there were regulations to prevent trucks of the kind that exploded on Wednesday from approaching the capital's centre.

Bereaved families yesterday carried victim's coffins draped in black in street funeral processions. Baghdad's provincial council reportedly appealed for donations of blood because so many people had needed treatment.