Baghdad, Rabi'II 6, 1434, Feb 16, 2013, SPA - Iraqi officials say a suicide blast in northern Iraq has killed a senior military official and three bodyguards. Police officials say the Saturday morning attack occurred when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive belt near Ali Aouni's car as he was leaving his house in Tal Afar, 420 kilometers (260 miles) northwest of Baghdad. Police say Aouni was the head of the intelligence academy in the Iraqi defense ministry, according to a report of the Associated Press. A medic in Tal Afar hospital confirmed the death toll. --SPA 13:22 LOCAL TIME 10:22 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1078874