Several die in series of Iraq car bomb attacks

Iraqi police and health officials say four separate car bomb attacks apparently targeting Shiites have killed nine people in and around Baghdad.

A police officer says three parked car bombs exploded early Sunday in Taji, killing eight and injuring 28 others near Shiite homes in the mainly Sunni town about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Baghdad.

Another police officer said a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden car in Baghdad’s Shiite northwestern neighborhood of Shula, killing one and injuring seven others. The target was unknown to the police.

Two health officials in nearby hospitals confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to release information.

Insurgents frequently target Shiites in an apparent bid to rekindle widespread sectarian conflict and undermine support for the government.

(AP)