Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

    BAGHDAD, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A suicide car bomber struck a police checkpoint in central Baghdad on Thursday, wounding 12 people, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua.

    The attack targeted a police checkpoint and a nearby police commando base in the area, the source said on condition of anonymity.

    "A suicide bomber drove his explosive-laden car into a police checkpoint near a police commando base, which is near the al-Gailany gas station in downtown Baghdad," the source said.

    The attack wounded 12 people, including several policemen, the source added.

    Insurgents frequently attack Iraqi security forces accused of collaborating with U.S.-led occupation forces. Enditem