Death toll in Baghdad attacks climbs to 72

Rapid-fire bombings and mortar strikes in mostly Shiite neighborhoods of Baghdad killed 76 people and wounded nearly 200 on Tuesday, calling into question the ability of Iraqi security forces to protect the capital.

The blasts - at least 13 separate attacks - came just two days after gunmen in Baghdad held a Christian congregation hostage in a siege that ended with 58 people dead. (AP)