Iraqi police say twin bombings in Baghdad have killed 18 people and wounded at least 36.

Police say the explosions Thursday took place a few minutes apart in a Shi'ite neighborhood of the Iraqi capital. The second bomb exploded when rescue workers were on the scene to treat victims of the first blast.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Violence in Iraq has fallen since the height of sectarian fighting in 2006 and 2007, but militants still regularly carry out bombings and shootings.

Many recent attacks have targeted Iraqi police forces.