String of violence hits Iraq as April’s elections approach

Iraq battles with constant waves of suicide bombings and other attacks as the country prepares for April’s parliamentary polls.

Baghdad, capital of Iraq, faced a string of bomb blasts on Monday which left at least 33 people dead and many other wounded.

Other cities such as Madain, Mishahda and Latifiyah were ground zero for roadside bombs and shootings.

In Kut province, south of Baghdad, a suicide bomber drove his car, which was full of explosives, directly into a police checkpoint, killing 12 and injuring another 26. This was the deadliest incident so far.

These violent attacks have been the most serious challenges the Shiite-led government had to face.

On April 30, the Iraqi people will vote for the first time since the US army withdrew its forces in 2011.