Two car bombs exploded in the Iraqi capital Thursday killing at least 18 people in total and wounding at least 36. Both bombs were set off near government buildings. Meanwhile, separate attacks by insurgents against Iraqi security forces resulted in at least eight more deaths.

The group calling itself Al Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility for the two car bomb explosions. A website used by Islamic militants said that the attacks were directed at the interior minister although the authenticity of the posting has yet to be verified.

Both blasts took place in the southeastern part of the city near the Interior Ministry. During the cleanup, authorities found a third car bomb that had not gone off as planned and defused it.

An ice cream vendor was an eyewitness to the explosions. Ali Ahmed, told the Associated Press, 'My stall was partially destroyed because of this terrorist act,' he said. 'Some people have lost their lives. As for me, I have now lost my source of income.'

The explosions shattered the windows of many nearby buildings including local restaurants. Children in a nearby school also heard the blast and had to be sent home. Many of them were in tears and vowed that they could attend school because they feared for their safety.

The insurgency carries on in Iraq. Today's attacks were an attempt to show that they are still capable of attacking the new government despite the Bush Administration's recent contention that they are weakening. The battle for the hearts and minds of the people of Iraq continues.