ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A total of five explosions targeted the General Security Office building along 60 meter street in Erbil around mid-day today. The death toll reported from security forces has varied from 2 to 6 deaths and there are reports at least 36 people have been injured. But the Governor of Erbil, Newzad Hadi, reported that 4 security officers had been killed in the attacks. Rudaw has discovered that the attackers detonated one bomb and then came in disguised as medical personnel, showing that the attack was well coordinated by the perpetrators. It is unclear at this point whether an ambulance was used as a car bomb, or exploded as a result of other car bombs detonated in the area. Plumes of smoke could be seen above the city near the building, and when Rudaw English approached the site, another explosion occurred and streaming fire and shock waves into the nearby streets. Men, women and children could be seen running for their lives as the explosion took place. As soon as the explosion occurred, gun shots could be heard and cars reversing in an attempt to escape the chaotic situation. Security forces were also able to diffuse another car bomb before it could be detonated, according to reports. Sporadic gunfire could be heard along the streets near 60 meter road as Asayish forces clashed with unknown armed men. Security forces have issued a warning to all citizens in Erbil not to get close to the explosion areas and also all transportation into and out of Erbil, the Kurdish capital, has been halted. Those injured in the blast have been taken to West Hospital. Reports of families of victims in the attacks could be seen near the attack sites, but now all areas have been cordoned off as security forces stabilize the area. It is unknown who is responsible for the attack, but it has shocked the Kurdish community, a Region that has been relatively peaceful in the years following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
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