Two suicide bombers targeted Iraqi police checkpoints in commercial areas in central Baghdad during rush hour Thursday, killing at least 21 people, officials said.
The self-styled Islamic State (IS) group swiftly claimed responsibility for the blasts.
Both attacks were carried out by bombers on foot, wearing explosives-laden vests, two police officers said.
One bomber struck in Baghdad’s Bab al-Sharji area, killing nine civilians and three police officers there. At least 45 were wounded in that explosion.
The second bomber hit in Al-Wathba Square, killing nine people, including four policemen, and wounding 31.
Two medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to talk to reporters.
Iraq is going through its worst crisis since the 2011 withdrawal of US troops.
In a statement posted on its Twitter accounts, Daesh or the IS claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it targeted police and Shia paramilitary forces.
