Baghdad bombings kill 35 and injure 56

BAGHDAD, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- At least 35 people were killed in two separate bomb attacks in Baghdad that targeted Christians celebrating Christmas, officials said.

The Ministry of Interior said at least 35 people died and about 56 people were injured in the two bomb attacks, CNN said.

A car bomb exploded outside a church in the al-Dora district in southern Baghdad as worshipers were leaving after attending a Christmas Day service, CNN reported.

A second car bomb exploded in an outdoor marketplace frequented by Christians in the same district, police said.

There are an estimated 500,000 Christians in Iraq, the U.S. broadcaster said.