Iraqi officials: Car bomb kills 25 in Tal Afar

Car was parked when it exploded near crowded market, official says

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updated 2:28 p.m. ET Aug. 9, 2008

BAGHDAD - At least 25 people were killed in a car bombing at a crowded market in the city of Tal Afar, officials in northern Iraq reported Saturday.

The blast was carried out by a lone Sunni Turkoman bomber, whose identity was confirmed after forensic tests. The bomber had been released from detention four months ago under an amnesty agreement passed by parliament earlier this year.

The bomber may have avoided detection at a checkpoint by having someone ride with him, officials said. The passenger apparently got out out after the checkpoint.

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Suicide car bombers are known to ride alone. For that reason, Tal Afar has banned men from driving alone.

The bombing took place in a region where tensions have been growing among ethnic groups because of a dispute over control of the oil-rich area around Kirkuk. The city has now been placed under an indefinite curfew.