A suicide bomber blew up a vehicle outside the building of the Iraqi Interior Ministry in eastern Baghdad on Monday morning, initially killing 13 people, a ministry source told Xinhua.

"We have 13 people killed and 35 others wounded, according to our reports," the source said on condition of anonymity. The casualties included civilians and policemen.

"A suicide bomber tried to drive his explosive-packed vehicle through the heavily fortified path leading to the Interior Ministry building, but the guards opened fire at his car, forcing him to detonate it at about 10:45 a.m. (0645 GMT), before reaching the ministry building," the source said.

The powerful blast took place at the first checkpoint, he added.

Source: Xinhua