20 people were killed and 50 wounded in a series of attacks on Thursday near the Allawi area of Baghdad not far from the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses several foreign embassies and Iraqi government offices.

Smoke was seen rising from the government ministry area of Baghdad

At least three explosions went off, near the Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Communications, and Justice Ministry. None of the staff were injured and security forces repelled at least 3 attacks. No group has claimed responsibility, but Sunni Muslim militants, including some with links to al-Qaeda, often target government officials and offices.