Many teenage boys were among the casualties in the al-Ghazl bombing, according to police and hospital officials.

Medical officials said those wounded in Friday’s attack were sent to five hospitals in the city due to the overwhelming numbers of victims.

One pigeon vendor said the market had been particularly busy because it was a pleasantly crisp and clear winter day after a recent cold spell.

“I have been going to the pet market with my friend every Friday, selling and buying pigeons,” said Ali Ahmed, who was hit by shrapnel in his legs and chest. “It was nice weather today and the market was so crowded.”

He said he was worried about his friend, Zaki, who disappeared from sight after the blast occurred about 40 yards away from where they were standing.

“I just remember the horrible scene of the bodies of dead and wounded people mixed with the blood of animals and birds, then I found myself lying in a hospital bed,” Ali said.

There were conflicting details about the second blast in the New Baghdad area.

The U.S. military said initial reporting indicated it was a suicide car bombing carried out by a woman, but Iraqi police said the female attacker detonated an explosives belt at the entrance to the bazaar. Casualty tolls also differed, with the military saying about 10 people were killed and 20 wounded and Iraqi police reporting 18 killed and 25 wounded.

U.S. forces, meanwhile, have expanded offensives in central and northern Iraq, seeking to build on gains against al-Qaida.