Rush-hour bombings hit Baghdad

A string of rush-hour bombings has hit the Iraqi capital Baghdad, killing at least nine people, officials said.

Two car bombs exploded opposite the foreign ministry in Baghdad's heavily fortified international Green Zone, while a suicide bomber struck a restaurant nearby.

Another car bomb went off in Khilani Square in the city's commercial heart.

Spiralling sectarian violence in recent months has sparked fears of a return to the levels of conflict seen in 2006-7.

Iraqi government data says more than 1,000 people died in January, which would be the highest monthly toll for almost six years.

On Tuesday, at least seven people died in a series of bombings in and around the Iraqi capital, while two rockets also exploded in the Green Zone - home to the prime minister's office and several Western embassies.

On Monday at least 23 died in car bombings in and around the capital.