Iraqi officials say two suicide attacks have targeted police checkpoints in commercial areas in central Baghdad, killing at least 21 people, the Associated Press reports.

Police say both attacks on the morning of Thursday, September 17 were carried out by bombers on foot, wearing explosives-laden vests.

Both attacks were carried out by bombers on foot, wearing explosives-laden vests, two police officers said. One bomber struck in Baghdad's Bab al-Sharji area, killing nine civilians and three police officers there. Forty-five people were wounded in that explosion.

The second bomber hit in al-Wathba Square, killing nine people, including four policemen, and wounding 31 Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to reporters.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, which bore the hallmarks of the Islamic State group.