Updated

Iraqi authorities say that two car bomb explosions have killed four people and wounded at least 16 others around Baghdad. Some of the casualties were soldiers.

Police officials say Monday's first bombing took place near an outdoor market in the Shiite neighborhood of al-Obeidi on the eastern edge of Baghdad, killing four shoppers. At least eight people were wounded.

Later, police said a car bomb struck an army patrol in Taji area, wounding eight people, including four soldiers. Taji, is 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Baghdad.

Health officials in nearby hospitals confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release the information.

Violence has ebbed in Iraq, but insurgent attacks are still frequent.