Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Market Bomb Death Toll Rises in North Ossetia 10 September 2010 Russian investigators examine the site of a blast near a market in Vladikavkaz, 09 Sep 2010 Photo: AFP Russian investigators examine the site of a blast near a market in Vladikavkaz, 09 Sep 2010 The death toll from a suicide bomb blast in Russia's restive North Caucasus rose to 17 Friday, as the stricken province observed a day of mourning for the victims. Russian police have detained three men suspected of involvement in Thursday's bomb attack in Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia. More than 100 people remain hospitalized. Officials say 11 of the most seriously injured have been airlifted to Moscow for treatment.  Russian investigators say a suicide bomber struck a crowded open-air market, killing himself and detonating a 30-kilogram bomb packed with bolts and metal fragments just outside the main entrance to the market shortly before noon local time. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said crimes like the bombing are committed to stir ethnic discord and must be stopped. The majority of people in North Ossetia are Orthodox Christians, unlike nearby Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan, which are predominantly Muslim. U.S. President Barack Obama expressed condolences to the victims and said the bombing underscores the resolve of the United States and Russia to join forces in fighting terrorism. Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters. .