Iraqi officials: Suicide bombing on a cafe kills 22, wounds 35 in Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi authorities say a suicide bombing in a Baghdad cafe has killed 22 people and wounded 35 others.

Iraqi police said that the deadly attack took place Thursday night when a suicide bomber set off his explosive belt inside a cafe full of customers in western Baghdad.

Police said that two children and a woman were among the dead.

Hospital officials confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Violence has been on the rise ahead of provincial elections set for Saturday.