BAGHDAD: A series of explosions killed at least 86 people and wounded more than 300 in central Baghdad yesterday, the deadliest day in the Iraqi capital this year.

At least six bombs and mortar rounds struck near government ministries and other sensitive targets in quick succession, the latest in a series of attacks in the capital and Iraq's north that raised doubts about the ability of Iraqi security forces to cope without US help.

One blast shattered windows in Iraq's parliament building in the heavily guarded Green Zone government and diplomatic complex. It occurred near the Foreign Ministry, just outside the Green Zone.