A series of bombings across 10 locations in Iraq has killed up to 83 people and wounded about 300, in a grim reminder of the sectarianism and violence left behind by the U.S. war.

 

Suicide bombs went off in restaurants and car bombs exploded in Hilla and Baghdad, where many Shia pilgrims have been gathering for a religious festival marking the the anniversary of the death of Shia imam Moussa al-Kadhim. Some of the attacks also hit places known to be frequented by Iraqi police.

 

Three more bombs exploded in Kirkuk, with one of them targeting the headquarters of Kurdish President Massoud Barzani. It is not known at this time who is responsible for the wave of attacks.

 

Wednesday was one of the most violent days in Iraq since U.S. troops departed the country in December. While overall violence is down since then, sectarian strife between Sunnis, Shiites, and Kurds has intensified.