Baghdad:
Iraqi officials say an overnight suicide attack inside a cafe in Baghdad has killed at least 12 people and wounded 38.
Two police officers said on Thursday that the bomber set off his explosives-laden belt among customers who were watching a football game on a cafe television in the western Washash neighborhood the night before.
A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
Iraq has been struck by a surge in violence unseen since 2008, relentless attacks that have become the Shiite-led government's most serious challenge.
Public places such as cafes, restaurants, mosques and markets are favorite targets for militants seeking to undermine the government's efforts to maintain security nationwide.