Police said initial reports showed the first three explosions were caused by female suicide bombers.

The attacks occurred at a time when Shiites have flooded into Baghdad for a a massive religious procession that peaks on Tuesday.

At least a million people are expected to visit the Kadhamiya shrine in northwestern Baghdad for the event. Iraqi security forces have clamped tight security in the area.

All explosions were close to Baghdad's Karrada district in central Baghdad, an area many pilgrims would pass through on their way to the shrine.

Agencies