A CAR-BOMB has delivered the first deadly challenge to Iraq's security forces after the US withdrew combat troops from cities.
A blast devastated a food market in the city of Kirkuk yesterday, killing at least 33 people and wounding 92. The early-evening attack bore the hallmarks of Sunni extremist groups such as al-Qa'ida.
The bombing highlighted the violence many Iraqis fear will increase with the departure of US troops from urban areas, despite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's confidence in his security forces.
US President Barack Obama, who opposed the 2003 war ordered by his predecessor, George W. Bush, hailed the US withdrawal as an "important milestone" but warned of days of bloodshed and violence ahead.
Kirkuk, an oil hub 300km north of Baghdad, has long been riven by ethnic tensions.
"The explosion occurred at a very busy time. I only saw fire and my stall was thrown over. I saw traders on fire in their shops and there were dead and wounded people on the ground," said stallholder Aras Omar Ghaffour.
Iraq marked the US pullback with a national holiday six years after the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein but sparked an insurgency and sectarian bloodshed, which left tens of thousands dead. US troops quit built-up areas ahead of a complete pullout ordered by Mr Obama by the end of 2011.
The US said four soldiers had died from combat-related injuries on Monday, the last day before the withdrawal, taking to 4321 the number of American troops killed since the invasion.
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