Iraq: Car bombing in Baghdad kills at least 7 civilians

According to a police official, at least 16 other people were wounded

Iraqi officials say a car bombing in a busy commercial area in the capital has killed at least seven civilians.

A police officer says this afternoon's attack took place in Baghdad's southwestern neighborhood of Bayaa. The explosives-laden car was parked near a real estate office in an area where dozens of people gather every day.

The police officer says least 16 other people were wounded.

A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to release information.

Baghdad has seen near-daily attacks as security forces struggle to dislodge the Islamic State group from vast areas in northern and western Iraq seized by the extremists last summer.