Iraq bombers allegedly mentally disabled

BAGHDAD, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- The two explosives-packed women who killed nearly 100 people at two Baghdad markets Friday were mentally disabled, a top Iraqi government official said.

Authorities said the blasts killed at least 98 people and wounded more than 200 at two popular pet markets, CNN reported.

In both instances, the bombers were mentally disabled women whose explosive belts were remotely detonated by cell phones, said Gen. Qasim Atta, spokesman for Baghdad's security plan. Atta said bomb squad members reported the women were strapped with dynamite and ball bearings.

An aide to Atta said authorities thought the women didn't know of the detonation plans. The aide said people called the bomber at Baghdad's al-Ghazl market the "crazy woman" and the bomber at the second location had an unspecified birth disability.

U.S. military officials called the two attacks suicide bombings, saying both women detonated the explosive devices. U.S. officials reported lower casualty figures of 27 dead and 53 wounded.

The Pentagon blamed the attacks on al-Qaida in Iraq.

"By targeting innocent Iraqis, they show their true demonic character," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for the Multi-National Division-Baghdad.