Triple Bombings in Southern Iraqi Oil City Kill 7

BASRA, Iraq-- Iraqi officials say seven people have been killed when three bombs hidden in motorcycles exploded in a southern Iraqi city.

Police Major Majid Hussein of the Basra police said the bombs went off Wednesday evening near cafes where young people were sitting and drinking soft drinks.

He said 24 people were wounded in the blasts.

Basra, a center of oil production, is 340 miles southeast of Baghdad.

A hospital official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the death toll. He did not want to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.