BAGHDAD — Insurgents launched attacks against security forces and civilians in central and northern Iraq on Tuesday, killing at least 21 people and wounding dozens, officials said.
Shiite mosques in Baghdad were main targets, along with a city claimed by squabbling ethnic groups in a disputed northern region. The conflicts threaten the stability of Iraq following the final pullout of U.S. military forces nearly a year ago.
Car bombs exploded near three mosques shortly after nightfall in the capital, killing 12. Police and hospital officials said the first exploded near a Shiite mosque following evening prayers in Hurriya neighbourhood, killing six worshippers and wounding 20 others. Minutes later, another car bomb went off near Gaereat mosque, killing three people.
Later, police said a third car bomb exploded, killing three Shiite worshippers and wounded 14 others in northern Baghdad.