At least eight Iraqis were killed and scores others were injured as three bombs exploded in the southern port city of Basra.

At least eight Iraqis were killed and scores others were injured as three bombs exploded in the southern port city of Basra.

The explosions occurred outside three cafes late on Wednesday on a street in central Basra where people gather in the evening.

A doctor at Sadr Hospital in Basra said that at least eight people were killed and 22 wounded in the blasts, Agence France Press reported.

Police Chief General Faisal al-Abadi of Basra province said that the explosives-rigged motorbikes, which were parked in the city center, were detonated about 8:00 p.m. (1700 GMT).

Bombings and other forms of violence escalated in Iraq soon after the US-led invasion of the country in 2003.

The latest spate of violence has erupted as influential Iraqi cleric, Sayyed Moqtada al-Sadr, warned that the US sought to maintain its occupation of Iraq through keeping trainers and private contractors in the country.

Last month, Sadr accused the Americans of creating chaos and sectarian strife in the Arab country in order to prolong their stay.

Since 2003, Iraq has lost over one million people due to the violence.