The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, Baghdad

Iraq's prime minister vowed on Saturday to ensure improved security is not derailed after two female bombers killed 99 people in the deadliest attacks in Baghdad since last April.

Nuri al-Maliki said Friday's bombings at popular pet markets in the capital would not herald a return to the savage violence that took Iraq to the brink of all-out sectarian civil war. The U.S. military blamed al Qaeda for the attacks.

"I swear on the blood (of the victims), we will achieve all our goals in securing a stable Iraq," he said in a statement. "We will continue to t crush the terrorists and target their strongholds."

In the bloodiest attack, police said a female bomber killed 62 and wounded 88 at the Ghazil pet market in central Baghdad, one of the most popular meeting places in the city and a previous target for attacks.

That came just minutes after another blast killed 37 and wounded 57 at a bird market in southern Baghdad, police said.