BAGHDAD // A wave of car bombs in Shiite areas that killed at least 31 people were the deadliest attacks of nationwide violence that killed 40 people yesterday.
The bloodshed added to widespread concern that Iraq is edging towards a return to the all-out sectarian war that left tens of thousands dead in 2006-2007. Iraqi officials have trumpeted wide-ranging operations targeting militants in which hundreds of alleged fighters have been captured and dozens killed, despite charges of failing to address root causes of the violence.
The blasts went off minutes apart about 6pm, after a trend of attacks timed to coincide with Baghdadis being in public areas during the evening. Nine people were killed in earlier attacks, officials said.
One agency tally has more than 3,800 people killed in attacks since the start of the year.
