Baghdad, Jan 15 (IANS): At least 16 people were killed and 69 others wounded in a wave of violent attacks in Iraq's capital Baghdad Wednesday, police said.

Five people were killed and 12 others wounded when a car bomb exploded in a popular market in Husseiniya area of northern Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

In another car bomb explosion in Shaib area of northeastern Baghdad, three people were killed and 13 others wounded, while two civilians were killed and 10 others injured when yet another car bomb exploded in Shala area of northwestern Baghdad, the police source said.

Two people were killed and eight wounded when a fourth car bomb exploded in Andalus Square in central Baghdad, he said, adding that two civilians were killed and five wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in a popular market in al-Obeidi area of eastern Baghdad.

A fifth car bomb exploded on al-Sanah street in central Baghdad killing one civilian and injuring nine others, the source said, adding that another 12 more people were injured when a car bomb exploded on Palestine Street in eastern Baghdad.

An Iraqi police officer was killed when a sticky bomb struck his car in Zafaraniyah area of eastern Baghdad, he added.

Iraq is witnessing its worst violence in recent years. According to the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, a total of 8,868 Iraqis, including 7,818 civilians and civilian police personnel, were killed in 2013, which is the highest annual death toll for years.