(VOVworld) – Multiple car bombs took place in Iraq on Monday, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens of others.

Car bombs in Iraq (Photo: Reuters)

So far, no group has claimed responsibility. Those attacks were said to be part of an intensified campaign by an al-Qaeda insurgent force to undermine the government led by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, a Shi’ite Muslim.

On the same day, speaking at a press conference following the talk with al-Maliki in Baghdad, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern over the widespread violence in Iraq. He urged Iraqi leaders to take prompt measures to solve the issue. He said Baghdad authorities need to promote political and social harmony, as well as a comprehensive political dialogue between related parties. Ban Ki-moon also stressed the role of the US in urging Iraqi leaders to focus on political reconciliation.