Suicide Bombers Target Baghdad Recruitment Center

Suicide bomb blasts have killed at least 12 people at a military recruitment center in central Baghdad.  More than 36 others were wounded in the strike, which witnesses say was carried out by at least two attackers. 

Witnesses describe a scene of devastation in the area around the blast site, and hospital officials say they were treating numerous wounded.

The strike took place at the same recruitment center where a suicide attack killed at least 59 people last month.

Insurgents have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks, coinciding with a drawdown in U.S. troops.  As of September first, the United States says it is no longer engaged in combat operations, renaming the mission one of advice and assistance to Iraqi forces.

The Iraqi government last week placed the country on highest alert.