A series of bombs targeting the homes of Iraqi police has killed two children and wounded nine other people.
A total of six explosions were caused by roadside bombs planted near houses belonging to security officers in Baqouba as their families were sleeping. The city, 35 miles from Baghdad, is a former al-Qa'ida stronghold.
Iraq has warned of a resurgence of Sunni and Shiite militants and an increase in violence following the US troop withdrawal, which ended last month.
The latest violence comes amid a growing political crisis that erupted after Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government issued an arrest warrant for the country's top Sunni politician last month.
Mr al-Maliki's main political rivals, the Sunni-backed Iraqiya bloc, is boycotting parliament sessions and cabinet meetings in protest at what they say are efforts by the Shiite-led government to consolidate power and marginalise them.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies