In the latest wave of deadly violence since April, at least 66 people were killed in Iraq on Thursday.
At least 44 people died and at least 120 wounded in 11 car bombings in and near Baghdad, while 22 died in other attacks, including two suicide explosions in northern Iraq,
One suicide bomber detonated a vehicle Al-Muwaffaqiyah, a village east of Mosul that is mostly populated by members of the Shabak minority, killing 15 people and wounding 50. Another bomb exploded near the house of a Shabak family in Mosul, killing a child and wounding three people,
The 30,000-strong Shabak community live mainly in a pocket of villages east of Mosul. hey speak a distinct language and traditionally practise a blend of Shia Islam and local beliefs, which has made them a target for attack by extremists who regard them as heretics.
Last month, a suicide bomber targeted a Shabak funeral near Mosul, killing 26 people and wounding 46.
Another bomber, wearing police uniform, detonated an explosives belt in a cafe in the town of Tuz Khurmatu, killing four people and wounding 27.
Mpre than 5000 people have been killed since the beginning of the year in the worst violence since 2008.
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