Iraqi officials say series of car bombs has hit Baghdad market areas, killing at least 10

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a series of car bombs has hit commercial areas in Baghdad, killing at least 10 civilians.

A police officer says the deadliest of Wednesday’s explosions killed at least four people and wounded 15 at an outdoor market in the northern Shaab neighbourhood. He says three people were killed and nine were wounded in the southeastern district of Zafaraniyah.

In Baghdad’s crowded commercial area of Karrada, two civilians were killed and wounded 12. The officer also says that in the eastern Sadr City, one civilian was killed and three were wounded.

Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to media.

Commercial areas are favourite targets for militants seeking to undermine government efforts to maintain security.