Iraq: Car bombings kill 16 people in Karbala

© AP Photo

In this Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 photo, Iraqi security forces and tribal fighters gather to defend the city of Haditha, 240 kilometers (150 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq.

Iraqi officials say three car bombings in the revered Shiite shrine city of Karbala have killed at least 16 people.

A police officer said Monday that the explosives-laden cars were parked in commercial areas and parking lots near government offices. He says 41 others were wounded in the explosions.

A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to media.

Karbala is home to two revered Shiite saints and is located about 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Baghdad.

The attacks came hours after a suicide bomber blew himself up among Shiite worshippers as they were leaving a mosque in a commercial area in central Baghdad, killing at least 17 people