Thirty killed in Iraq market bombing: official website

The attack occurred in Batha, a town west of Nasiriyah in the relatively quiet province of Dhiqar.

"No fewer than 30 bodies were collected, and around 70 others were wounded," a statement on the Dhiqar province website said.

It is the deadliest attack in Iraq this month, and comes just weeks before US troops are due to pull out of all towns and cities across the country by the end of the month.

"Children and women are among the dead," said Batha town mayor Ali Fahad. "We are now transporting the casualties to the general hospital in Nasiriyah."

Photo is an archive image.