Attacks targeting soldiers and government employees around Iraqi capital Baghdad kill 5

BAGHDAD – Officials in Iraq say a series of attacks on soldiers and government employees have killed five people around the capital, Baghdad.

Police officials say the deadliest of Saturday's attacks took place shortly after sunset when a roadside bomb struck an army patrol in the town of Jurf al-Shkakr, killing three soldiers and wounding two.

The town, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Baghdad, is a former insurgent stronghold. Attacks on Iraqi security forces and nearby Shiite areas have been launched there in the past.

In Baghdad, police say two government employees were killed in separate attacks by bombs attached to their cars.

Hospital officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to speak to journalists.