DHAKA: Six car bombs have exploded in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, leaving at least 19 people dead, security officials say.

The bombs were placed in parked cars and detonated over a 30-minute period in busy streets, mainly in Shia areas, reports the BBC.

In the deadliest attack, two bombs killed at least five in a commercial area in the Shaab neighbourhood.

Hundreds have been killed in Iraq this month, with often sectarian-fuelled violence reaching its highest level since 2008.

Almost 1,000 people were killed and more than 2,000 wounded in September alone, the UN says.

And unofficial counts for October suggest more than 600 have been killed.

Sunni militants are often blamed for the attacks, which usually target Shia areas.

The Shia-led government has been accused of failing to address grievances among the Sunni Arab minority, including allegations of abuses by security forces.

BDST: 1422 HRS, OCT 27, 2013
RoR/BSk