BAGHDAD - The death toll from Sunday's two suicide bombs in Baghdad, one of Iraq's bloodiest attacks in years, has risen to 155 with more than 500 wounded, police said on Monday.

Despite a drop in overall violence in the country, insurgents, militants and others still carry out bombings and shootings, which observers say may increase in the lead up to a national election in January.

Sunday's bombings, near the Justice Ministry and the Baghdad provincial government building, ripping through cars and people, was the bloodiest in Iraqi capital since mid-2007.

World leaders condemned the attacks and Iraqi officials pointed a finger at al Qaeda and remnants of former dictator Saddam Hussein's government. Opposition politicians blamed the security forces.

Iraq is trying to rebuild its economy and society after decades of repression, war and economic ruin. Security has remained elusive since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 and subsequent sectarian slaughter.

U.S. troops have begun pulling out in advance of a full withdrawal by the end of 2011, and ensuring security is now mainly the responsibility of Iraqi soldiers and police.

(Reporting by Baghdad Bureau; Writing by Jack Kimball; Editing by Michael Christie)

Iraq