Worshippers killed in mosque blasts

Mortar fire and bombs targeting worshippers in Iraq killed nine people and wounded 29 others today in two attacks north of Baghdad shortly after noon prayers.

The new violence came a day after a suicide bombing attack on a Baghdad cafe that killed 36 people and wounded dozens.

Violence has been on the rise ahead of provincial elections set for tomorrow.

The vote is for local officials in several provinces across the country, including the capital, Baghdad. Authorities have been pledging to bolster security ahead of the elections

Police said the first attack came just after Friday prayers as the worshippers were leaving the Sunni mosque of al-Muthana in Khalis, killing seven worshippers and wounding 14 others.

Khalis, a former stronghold of Sunni insurgency, is 50 miles north of Baghdad.

Police said part of the mosque was destroyed in the mortar attack.

In the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, police said a roadside bomb exploded among Shiite worshippers as they were heading home after prayers in al-Tamimi mosque, killing two worshippers and wounding 14 others.

Medics in nearby hospitals confirmed the death toll.