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BAGHDAD (AP) -- Authorities in Iraq say a suicide bomber has killed dozens of army recruits in downtown Baghdad in one of the bloodiest bombings in weeks in the Iraqi capital.

The massive morning blast took place just outside a military headquarters. The site receives about 250 new recruits each week, as Iraq's security forces try to bolster their ranks ahead of the U.S. military's withdrawal.

Officials put the death toll at 60 people, with another 125 wounded.

Insurgents have been stepping up attacks in recent weeks, highlighting the Iraqi government's struggle to protect the nation. Iraqi army, police and other security forces have been targeted, but civilians also have been killed by the hundreds.

More on the Iraq war:
White House: US on track to end Iraq combat role
Pentagon belt-tightening will cut military jobs 

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