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Baghdad Bombings Kill Five Amid Ongoing Anti-Government Protests

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A soldier, badly wounded during clashes with anti-government protesters, is carried by demonstrators to a hospital during the ongoing protests in Baghdad on November 26.
A soldier, badly wounded during clashes with anti-government protesters, is carried by demonstrators to a hospital during the ongoing protests in Baghdad on November 26.

Five people were killed and more than a dozen wounded in an apparent coordinated attack involving three simultaneous explosions in Baghdad late on November 26, Iraqi officials told AP.

It was the first orchestrated attack since anti-government protests erupted nearly two months ago over corruption and poor government services.

No one took responsibility for the explosions, which resembled the actions of the Islamic State extremist group.

Two bomb-laden motorcycles and a roadside bomb were used in the attacks, officials said on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Earlier in the day, one protester was killed and 21 others were wounded in ongoing clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the Iraqi capital.

Security and hospital officials say the protester's death was caused by a rubber bullet fired by security forces near the strategic Ahrar Bridge in the capital.

Protesters are partially occupying three key bridges -- Jumhuriya, Ahrar, and Sinak -- in a standoff with security forces.

More than 340 people have died since demonstrations began October 1, when thousands of Iraqis, mostly youth, took to the streets to decry corruption.

The international community, including the United Nations and the United States, have denounced the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters

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