Explosions in Shiite areas of Baghdad kill 22

A wave of explosions today struck two Shiite neighbourhoods in Baghdad, killing at least 22 people and intensifying fears that insurgents are stepping up attacks after the US troop withdrawal that was completed last month.

The attacks began with the explosion of a bomb attached to a motorcycle near a bus stop where day labourers gather to look for work in the Sadr city neighbourhood. The blast killed nine people, police said.

"I was heading to my work when the strong blast took place. I saw thick black smoke coming from the area. Now, people have real fears that the cycle of violence might be revived in this country," said Tariq Annad, a 52-year-old government employee who lives nearby.

That attack was followed by the explosion of a roadside bomb nearby that killed another person. Police found a third bomb nearby and defused it.

Less than two hours later, two blasts struck the Shiite neighbourhood of Kazimiyah in the north of the capital, killing 12 people.

Officials said the Kazimiyah blasts occurred almost simultaneously, with at least one caused by a car bomb. Hospital officials confirmed the causalities, which included approximately 60 wounded.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to release the information.

Iraqi leaders have warned of a resurgence of Sunni and Shiite militants and an increase in violence following the departure of US troops.