Hi °C | Lo °C A series of car bombs exploded within minutes of each other as Iraqis were out shopping in and around Baghdad yesterday, killing at least 35 people in mainly Shiite areas.
The attacks come amid rising sectarian discord in Iraq and appear aimed at shaking Iraqis' confidence in the Shiite-led government.
The explosions primarily targeted outdoor markets.
Violence in Iraq has fallen since the height of sectarian fighting in 2006 and 2007, but insurgents still frequently launch lethal attacks against security forces and civilians.
It was at least the third time this month that attacks have claimed more than 20 lives in a day. The detonation of a parked car loaded with explosives in the sprawling Shi'ite district of Sadr City heralded the start of the attacks. Two more parked cars later exploded elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
Irish Independent
