BAGHDAD, July 2 (AP): Police say a roadside bomb killed an Iraqi soldier and wounded seven other people in central Baghdad.

It's the latest in a wave of attacks following US combat troop withdrawal from the country's cities and towns. The insurgent attacks - often aimed at crowded areas to maximise casualty numbers - are putting the Iraqi army and police to the test.

Police officials say Thursday's explosion took place in the Karrada district near a bridge leading to the Green Zone. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

They added that the bomb targeted an Iraqi army patrol.