Bomb and shooting attacks kill more than 50 in Iraq

A relentless wave of attacks of coordinated bombings and shootings across Iraq has left more than 50 people dead on 16 August 2012. The attacks began before dawn and continued until late at night. More than 100 others were wounded in the attacks. It was Iraq's deadliest day in more than three weeks.

According to security and medical officials, a dozen bomb blasts and one shooting in five different cities. The attacks has raised tensions as the country prepares for Eid Al Fitr festivities at the weekend to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. These attacks were aimed at weakening the authority of Iraq's government.