At least 19 dead in multiple bombings in Baghdad

At least 19 people have died and 36 others have been wounded in multiple bombings in the Iraqi capital.

The bloodshed in Baghdad comes as Iraqi forces continue to prepare for a large-scale operation to recapture the city of Tikrit from the Islamic State (IS) group.

The deadliest bombing struck a busy commercial street in the Habibiya section of Baghdad’s Sadr City, killing at least nine people and wounding 22, officials said.

Another bombing, at a vegetable market in the Tarabya section of Baghdad, killed at least six people and wounded 14.

Earlier on Monday, in north-western Baghdad, police say a bomb detonated near an intelligence branch of the interior ministry, killing four people – a couple and their two children.

Baghdad has enjoyed relative calm in recent months as compared to the sectarian violence which gripped the city in 2006 and 2007.

While no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, IS has said it was behind a number of recent bombings.

Iraqi security forces remain on the outskirts of the northern city of Tikrit, the home town of Saddam Hussein, awaiting a final push into the city.

Military officials said they have opted not to rush the final assault in an effort to minimize casualties and to ensure that the city’s infrastructure is safeguarded.