A series of bombings has killed at least 14 people in Baghdad, ahead of the highly anticipated transfer of operational command of Iraq's armed forces from the U.S.-led coalition to Iraqi authorities.

Officials say more than 30 others were wounded in suicide car bombings and roadside bomb blasts across the city Thursday.

US Stryker armored vehicle patrols the area around a police fuel depot in Baghdad's Karrada district following a suicide attack 07 September 2006

The deadliest attack took place in the Karrada neighborhood, where a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-filled car at the entrance of a gas station for police vehicles. At least 10 people died and 17 others were wounded in that attack.

Meanwhile, senior Iraqi military officials are preparing for the country's prime minister to take control of the armed forces at a ceremony that was originally scheduled five days ago.

Separately, the Iraqi government said 27 "terrorists" convicted of killings and rapes were executed Wednesday.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters