BAGHDAD, Jan. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- A powerful explosion was heard Tuesday morningin central Baghdad with heavy smoke seen rising from an area on the western side of the city.

    Witnesses said the blast was caused by a car bomb not far froman office of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), a leading Shiite party.

    There was no immediate word on casualties and intended target from the police. Enditem