Baghdad bombings 'kill at least 18'

Attacks including a rare suicide bombing by a woman killed at least 18 people in Baghdad Tuesday, the latest in a series of blasts to hit Iraq's capital, officials said.

The bombings also wounded at least 50 people, they said.

The deadliest attack hit the Shaab area in northern Baghdad, killing at least 15.

Interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan said it was carried out by a female suicide bomber, while a police colonel said a roadside bombing was followed by the suicide attack.

A car bombing in the Rashid area of southern Baghdad killed at least three more people, officials said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State jihadist group has claimed a series of recent bombings in and near the city that have killed more than 100 people in seven days.

The jihadists carried out triple car bombings in northern Baghdad that killed at least 94 people, and a further 12 died in attacks on a police station west of the capital and a gas plant to its north.

Attacks in the city decreased following a June 2014 offensive by IS that saw the group's fighters focus on holding territory and fighting battles in other areas.

But Iraqi forces have regained significant ground from IS, and the frequency of attacks in the capital has increased in recent weeks.

Source: AFP