“A coordinated attack of vehicle bombs on Monday ripped through the perimeters of three hotel compounds known for housing foreign journalists, destroying a nearby apartment building and leaving at least 36 people dead. “

The bombers hit the Sheraton Hotel compound, which also houses the Babylon Hotel; and the al-Hamra Hotel compound, where The Washington Post bureau is located. Security officials said at least 71 people were wounded. Three of the injured were Iraqi employees of the Post.

“wide-ranging plot to bomb government ministries and other public places, to be followed by a wave of political assassinations, was uncovered by Iraqi officials, who responded Tuesday by bringing much of the capital to a virtual standstill while security forces conducted raids that netted large quantities of explosives, officials said.”

At least 4 suicide car bombers — and as many as 10 — were apparently on their way to government buildings Tuesday morning when they were stopped by the police and arrested, the authorities said.