Iraq election ends without major attack - ministry

BAGHDAD, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Iraq concluded provincial elections on Saturday without recording a major attack anywhere in the war-weary country, said Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Mohammed al-Askary.

Iraqi police and soldiers guarded polling stations against attacks by al Qaeda or other insurgents while the 140,000 U.S. troops in the country maintained a low-profile as they prepare to leave by end-2011, or sooner. (Reporting by Aseel Kami; Writing by Michael Christie; Editing by Jon Boyle)