Iraqi officials: Car bombs strike in and near Baghdad, killing 20 people

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a wave of car bombs, mainly targeting markets in and near Baghdad, has killed 20 people and wounded dozens.

Police officials say the deadliest among Tuesday's attacks came before sunset, when a car bomb exploded near a market in Baghdad's southeastern suburbs of Nahrwan. That attack killed six people and wounded 17.

Later, car bombs exploded in markets and busy streets in different parts of Baghdad and near the Iraqi capital, killing a total of 14 people and wounding scores.

Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.

Violence has been on the rise in Iraq this year amid political and sectarian tensions.