At least 19 people were killed and dozens of others wounded in three car bomb attacks in the country

At least 19 people were killed and dozens of others wounded in three car bomb attacks in the country, Iraqi security officials said.

An Iraqi police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said two car bombs went off simultaneously in the city of Amara, situated about 300 kilometers (185 miles) southeast of the capital, Baghdad, on Monday. Twelve people died and over two dozen others sustained injuries.

The third blast occurred in the city of Diywaniya, situated about 150 kilometers (95 miles) south of Baghdad, when a car bomb exploded near a restaurant. Seven people were killed and over a dozen others wounded in the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bomb attacks, which were the latest in a wave of violence that has killed nearly 230 people across Iraq over the past week.

There has been a surge of violence in Iraq since April 23, when security forces clashed with militants and anti-government protesters in several towns and cities, including Ramadi and Hawija near Kirkuk.