Iraqi officials: Multiple bombings hit central Baghdad, killing at least 16 people

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say a wave of bombings has rocked central Baghdad, striking mainly near the heavily fortified Green Zone where key government offices are located and killing at least 16 people.

Police officials say the deadliest of Wednesday's blasts took place outside the Foreign Ministry building where two parked car bombs went off simultaneously. Those explosions killed at least seven and wounded 15.

Nearby, a suicide bomber walked into a falafel restaurant where he set off his explosives-laden belt, killing five and wounding 12.

And a parked car bomb went off in Khilani Square in the city's commercial center, killing four people and wounding eight.

Medical officials confirmed the causality figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to media.