A post-election wave of attacks across Iraq, including car bombings in Baghdad and a northern city, killed at least 74 people, officials said.
The compiled death toll for Wednesday, with the number rising to 74 after late-night attacks, made it the bloodiest single day in Iraq in more than seven months. It was the latest in a protracted surge in unrest fuelling fears that the country is slipping back into all-out conflict. The wave of violence could further destabilise Iraq as political leaders jostle to build alliances and form a government following April 30 elections.