Iraqi officials say attacks in two Shiite-dominated areas in the Baghdad region have killed four people and wounded 11. A police officer said three roadside bombs went off simultaneously in the Husseiniya area north-east of the capital, killing three civilians, Belfast Telegraph reported.

He said 11 others, including three policemen, were wounded.

Another police officer said a soldier was killed when a bomb attached to his car exploded in the northern Utaifiya neighbourhood.

Two health officials confirmed the causality figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Violence has ebbed across Iraq in recent years, but insurgents frequently attack security forces and civilians in an attempt to undermine the country's Shiite-led government.