BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials say separate attacks in Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad have killed eight civilians and wounded 24.

A police officer says three parked car bombs exploded simultaneously in separate areas in the northwestern neighborhood of Shula early morning Tuesday, killing six people and injuring 14 others.

Another police officer said two mortar rounds landed in the capital's northern Chikok district, killing two people and wounding 10.

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

Although violence has ebbed since the heights of the insurgency, Baghdad's Shiite areas remain favorite targets for Sunni extremists who seek to ignite nationwide sectarian conflict.