Dozens killed by 11 car bombs in Baghdad

At least 36 people were killed after 11 coordinated car bombs went off across the Shia districts in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to Iraqi officials. Some 320 were wounded in the blasts. Officials said that all of the bombs targeted Shia areas of the capital.

"Thirty-six people were killed and 320 wounded, but 80 per cent of the wounded were treated and have left the hospital," said Health Minister Saleh al-Hasnawi on state television.

The biggest explosions occurred in eastern Husseiniyah and northern Kadhimiyah districts.

These attacks come just two days after Al-Qaeda gunmen took hostages in a Catholic church in the capital, killing 46.