Car bombs have exploded in predominantly Shi'ite areas of central and southern Iraq, killing at least 18 people. Iraq has seen a surge in violence in the past week.
Car Bombs Rock Southern Iraq

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Residents look at a pool of blood after a car bomb attack in Karbala, south of Baghdad, April 29, 2013.

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Residents gather at the site of a car bomb attack in Karbala, south of Baghdad, April 29, 2013.

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Street cleaners remove debris after a car bomb exploded in Diwaniya province, south of Baghdad, April 29, 2013.

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Iraqi security forces personnel inspect the site of a bomb attack in Najaf, south of Baghdad, April 25, 2013.