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Islamic State claims responsibility for car bomb near U.S. Consulate in Iraq

By Amy R. Connolly

ERBIL, Iraq, April 17 (UPI) -- The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a car bomb that exploded near the U.S. Consulate in the northern Iraq city of Erbil, the capital of Iraq's Kurdish autonomous region.

Police said suicide bombers blew up a car they were driving near an entry point on the perimeter of the consulate property about 10:44 a.m. Eastern time. All consulate personnel and local guards are safe and accounted for, the State Department said.

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Authorities said the incident began when a small improvised bomb exploded and then the car moved toward the consulate.

Kurdish news agency Rudaw said three people died and another five were injured, including an American.

Rudaw reported it as a suicide bombing and said an explosive-laden car detonated outside the gate of the consulate during a busy time in the Christian neighborhood of Ainkawa, a popular spot with Westerners.

Erbil is considered the most secure region in the conflict-ridden country.

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