Massive Bomb Plot Foiled at Last Minute

Iraqi authorities arrested 25 people—at least four of them suicide bombers—some of whom were en route to blow up several government buildings and public places in Baghdad in a massive plot. The conspirators possessed 440 pounds of both TNT and C4, as well as 66 gallons of ammonium nitrate solution and 60 mortar shells. Baghdadis' lives are marked by frequent big explosions, but if this attack had been successful, it would have been devastating. The ministries of defense, health and trade and public places such as markets were to be targeted Tuesday, and several politicians and tribal leaders were to be assassinated. Officials expect violence to spike as Iraq's March 7 elections near and insurgents seek to spread chaos. Much of the capital was brought to a standstill as authorities conducted raids.