At least three people were killed and more than 50 others wounded when a car bomb exploded outside a popular restaurant in Baghdad's Talbiyah district, police said. (Xinhua/AFP)

    BAGHDAD, May 23 (Xinhuanet) -- At least three people were killed and more than 50 others wounded when a car bomb exploded outside a popular restaurant in Baghdad's Talbiyah district, police said. 

    The blast took place at lunch time in front of the restaurant frequented by police officers, and several cars nearby were set onfire, witness Abu Saif told Xinhua.

    The wounded were rushed to nearby hospitals, a police source said.

    Some 550 people have been killed in an upsurge of violence sincethe Shiite dominated government was formed on April 28.  Enditem