Series of bombings leave deadly trail across Baghdad

Civilians at the site of a car bomb attack in the town of Tuz Khurmatu, north of Baghdad (REUTERS/Ako Rasheed)

Iraqi authorities say a series of bombings across Baghdad, targeting marketplaces and two court buildings, has killed 21 people.

The explosions came as Iraqi forces are pushing an offensive against al-Qa'ida and allied militants west of the capital.

Police say the deadliest of Monday's blasts hit an outdoor market in the south of the capital, killing seven people and wounding 13.

A bomb in a nearby commercial street killed two more. Another two people died and seven were wounded in a southeastern district, while a bomb in a northern suburb killed three and wounded six.

Two separate car bombs near court buildings killed seven people and wounded 22, said police.

Hospital officials confirmed the death toll.

AP