DHAKA: A series of co-ordinated bombings in the Iraqi capital Baghdad has killed at least 44 people and wounded dozens more.

Police and medical sources say, reports the BBC.

The bombs targeted mainly Shia neighbourhoods during the rush hour.

Several blasts in the northern district of Kadhimiya killed at least five people and wounded many others, according to reports.

Violence has increased in Iraq in recent months amid heightened tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

The deadliest explosion on Wednesday was reported to be in Jisr Diyala in south-eastern Baghdad, where a car bomb killed at least seven people.

A northern suburb or Sadr City was also attacked.

Sunnis say they are being marginalised by Iraqi prime minister Nouri Maliki’s Shia-led government.

Correspondents say deep-rooted sectarian tensions have also been aggravated by the civil war in neighbouring Syria.

BDST: 1534 HRS, AUG 28, 2013
RoR/GCP