Car Bomb In Baghdad Kills More Than 40, Injures Dozens

A series of car bombs the past week in Iraq have spurred concern over an upsurge in violence.

Officials say a car bomb struck a funeral in Baghdad today, killing nearly 50 people and injuring dozens.

Deputy Health Minister Khamis al-Saad put the toll at 48 dead and dozens injured.

The car that exploded was parked with vehicles of other mourners just outside the funeral tent.

The bombing occurred in a predominantly Shi'ite area of the capital.

Nearly 200 people have been killed in bombings the past week in Iraq, raising concern about a spike in violence as the U.S. military prepares to withdraw from the country by the end of the year.

compiled from agency reports