Five killed in Iraq violence

BAGHDAD: Attacks killed five people in Iraq on Tuesday, officials said, the latest in a surge in violence that security forces have failed to curb despite launching major operations targeting militants.

Bombings killed a soldier, a Sahwa anti-Al-Qaeda fighter and a civilian in Salaheddin province, north of the capital, while gunmen shot dead a former soldier and a civilian in the northern province of Nineveh, according to security and medical officials.

The attacks came a day after bombs targeting a cafe, a football field and a market in areas north of Baghdad killed 24 people.

Authorities have repeatedly highlighted recent security operations -- among the largest since US forces departed in December 2011 -- which they say have led to the killing or capture of many militants.

But whatever gains the operations have made, they have failed to stop the bloodshed.