UPDATE – Suicide bombings kill 13 in Iraqi capital

*UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL

By Ibrahim Salih and Ali Jawwad

BAGHDAD (AA) – At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in two suicide bombings Tuesday in predominantly Shia districts in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

A bomber detonated his explosive belt near a marketplace in Baghdad al-Jadida district, east of the Iraqi capital, police officer Hamid al-Mumin told Anadolu Agency.

Health official Ihsan Radi said nine people, mostly civilians, were killed and 21 others injured in the bombing.

“Some of the injured are in a critical condition,” he said.

Another suicide bombing struck the Shia-majority al-Bayaa district, south of Baghdad.

“Three civilians plus the bomber were killed and 12 other people injured in the attack,” police officer Yasser al-Mustafa said.

While there has been no claim of responsibility, the Iraqi capital has in recent months witnessed violent attacks -- which often target civilians -- on an almost daily basis.

Iraqi authorities blame the violence on the Daesh terrorist group, which still enjoys a significant presence in war-torn Iraq despite having suffered a string of recent military defeats.

Iraq’s security situation has deteriorated markedly since mid-2014, when Daesh captured Mosul -- the country’s second largest city -- along with vast swathes of territory in the country’s northern and western regions.