Dozens killed in Iraq car blasts

A series of car bombs exploded across Iraq’s capital tonight, killing at least 52 people in a day of violence that saw militants storm a university in the country’s restive Anbar province and take dozens hostage, authorities said.

The attacks in Baghdad largely focused on Shiite neighbourhoods, underscoring the sectarian violence now striking at Iraq years after a similar wave nearly tore the country apart following the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.