Iraq's al-Qaida branch is promising a wave of bombings that wrecked havoc across Baghdad and other cities Thursday is just the beginning.

A statement issued by the Islamic State of Iraq and posted on militant websites Friday said the group was targeting security forces in retaliation for what it called an anti-Sunni campaign that involved torture, detentions and land confiscations.

Iraqi officials said Thursdays attacks – a mix of car bombs and roadside bombs – killed at least 35 people and wounded more than 100.

In and near Baghdad, multiple blasts killed at least 15 people, mostly in Shi'ite areas. One of the attacks hit the convoy of the country's health minister, who was not hurt.

Bombings in Kirkuk killed nine people, while deadly blasts also hit the cities of Samarra, Taji and Ramadi.

Near simultaneous suicide attacks and car bombings in eight cities last month killed at least 46 people and wounded more than 200 others. Those attacks came days before Baghdad hosted an Arab League summit.