Iraq: Several killed as series of blasts rock Kirkuk

Iraqi security officials said a series of explosions in the northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday night killed at least three people and wounded 23. The blasts went off in a commercial area after Iftar.

Kirkuk: At least three people were killed and more than 23 injured after a series of blasts rocked Iraqi northern city of Kirkuk on Thursday night.

The officials said the six blasts went off in quick succession after iftar, the meal that breaks daylong fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in a commercial area in the centre of the city when streets are typically crowded.

The nature of the blasts was not immediately clear, but the officials said they appeared to be improvised explosive devices.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Iraq declared victory against the Islamic State group in 2017, but the group continues to carry out attacks through sleeper cells, particularly in the country's north.