Baghdad :At least 71 people were killed and 201 wounded in a series of bombings and other attacks across Baghdad today,extending the worst wave of sectarian bloodshed in Iraq for at least five years.

The blasts, which came in quick succession, targeted residents out shopping and on their way to work.

Insurgents deployed explosives-laden cars, suicide bombers and other bombs and targeted on parking lots, outdoor markets and restaurants in predominantly Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad, according to officials.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the days attacks.The violence follows months of protests by Iraqs Sunni minority against the Shiite-led government that began late last year.

Attacks have been on the rise since a deadly security crackdown by security forces on a Sunni protest in April.