Eight civilians killed and many injured in attacks on Shiite neighbourhoods of Baghdad

Eight civilians have been killed and 24 others injured in separate attacks in Shiite neighbourhoods of Baghdad, Iraqi officials said today.

A police officer said three parked car bombs exploded simultaneously in separate areas in the north-western neighbourhood of Shula early today, killing six people and injuring 14 others.

Another police officer said two mortar rounds landed in the capital's northern Chikok district, killing two people and wounding 10.

Two health officials in nearby hospitals confirmed the casualty figures.

Although violence has ebbed since the heights of the insurgency, Baghdad's Shiite areas remain favourite targets for Sunni extremists who seek to ignite nationwide sectarian conflict.

AP