Friday, June 16 2006 17:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Baghdad: A suicide bomber struck a Shiite mosque during Friday prayers in Baghdad, killing at least seven people and wounding 18, police said, as violence persisted despite a driving ban and increased security measures aimed at restoring order in the capital.

The attacker was wearing an explosives belt and blew himself up at the Buratha mosque in northern Baghdad, police Lt Thaer Mahmoud said.

The bomber was on foot as the streets of Baghdad were largely absent of cars due to a four-hour driving implemented to prevent violence during traditional Islamic prayers held every Friday.

Iraqi authorities also launched a massive security operation on Wednesday with 75,000 troops deploying on the streets of Baghdad, an extended curfew from 8.30 p.m.(2300 hrs IST) until dawn and a weapons ban.

The Buratha mosque also was attacked during Friday prayers on April 7, when four suicide bombers set off their explosives, killing at least 85 worshippers as they left the mosque after the main weekly religious service.