The local residents pass by after a car bombing in Baghdad January 19, 2006. (Photo:Xinhua)

BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The death toll from twin bombings that hit central Baghdad earlier has risen to 22, including five police commandos, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua on Thursday.

    "We have 22 people killed, including five commando members, and 22 civilians were wounded," the source said on condition of anonymity.

    "The first blast was caused by an explosive-laden car parking by the side of the Sa'adoun Street near the popular al-Mathaq restaurant when a police commando patrol was passing by," he said."

    Seconds later, a suicide bomber, wearing an explosive vest,blew himself up in a cafe near the scene of the first blast," the source added.

    Iraqi security forces have cordoned off the area preventing people from approaching. Enditem