Suicide bombing kills 55 in Kirkuk

BAGHDAD, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- At least 55 people died and 109 were injured Thursday when a suicide bomber attacked a restaurant near Kirkuk, Iraq, a police official said.

Reports indicated the bomber entered the crowded eatery during lunchtime, detonating his explosives-laden vest, CNN reported.

The bombing occurred during the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, when many Iraqis visit parks, markets and restaurants, CNN reported. The restaurant is on the main road between Kirkuk and Irbil, capital of Iraq's Kurdish region.

The Kirkuk police official said the restaurant has a play area for children and is busy during the holiday period. Authorities are not saying which group they believe was behind the assault, CNN reported.

An Iraqi Interior Ministry official offered a lower casualty figure, reporting 47 dead and 102 injured.

Kirkuk has had a tense undercurrent for years as Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens vied for power in the oil-rich city. Kurds say the city is historically Kurdish and should be incorporated into the Kurdish region, a move opposed by Turkmens and Arabs.

The Iraqi Constitution called for a referendum on whether Kirkuk and the surrounding area should be incorporated into the Kurdish region, but that vote has been delayed.