18 dead in blasts in and around Baghdad

The series of attacks came just days after blasts against police in a tense northern city killed 29 people, with just months to go before all US forces must withdraw from Iraq amid questions over whether local security forces are up to the task of maintaining stability in the war-wracked country.

A total of 12 roadside bombs, three vehicles packed with explosives and one suicide attacker struck in the spate of morning blasts on Sunday, although it was not immediately clear to what extent, if any, the violence was coordinated.

The deadliest attack saw 12 people killed and 23 wounded in a suicide bombing in the town of Taji, 25 kilometers north of the capital, an Interior Ministry official said, on condition of anonymity.

A Defense Ministry official put the toll at 14 dead and 28 wounded in Taji.

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