At least 77 people have been killed and more than 140 wounded by three bombings in Baghdad. Islamic State claimed two of Tuesday's suicide bombings, which took place in the northern district of al-Shaab and nearby Sadr City.

Another car blew up south of the capital, in al-Rasheed. Powerful cleric Moqtada al-Sadr blamed the government for failing to provide security. Hundreds of militiamen loyal to him have now deployed in Sadr City and five other mainly Shi'ite areas.

It was not the first time that multiple bombs went off in the city. Attacks claimed by Islamic State in and around Baghdad last week killed more than 100 people.

It's the highest death toll in the capital in so few days so far this year. And fears are growing that Baghdad could relapse into the bloodshed of a decade ago.