BAGHDAD, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Iraqi police Friday said the death toll from two Hilla market explosions has risen to 73, with 163 people reported injured from the blasts.
Police attempted to stop one of the bombers Thursday when it appeared he was wearing an explosive vest, but the bomb was detonated before officers could reach him, CNN reported Friday.
Following the attacks, police implemented a curfew banning all vehicle and pedestrian movement in Najaf and Kufa until noon prayers Friday.
U.S. troops meanwhile killed 18 insurgents in fierce clashes in Ramadi, the U.S. military said Friday.
KUNA, the Kuwaiti news agency, reported the clashes broke out Thursday night when insurgents opened fire on U.S. troops from several positions in the city west of Baghdad.
The U.S. military said it was investigating the report of a U.S. helicopter going down near Taji, north of Baghdad, after being fired upon by insurgents Friday morning.
