In Iraq, at least 11 people have been killed in three large explosions apparently targeting hotels in the centre of the capital, Baghdad. Twice as many are feared injured in the explosions this afternoon, which sent plumes of smoke rising hundreds of metres into the sky. The first blast occurred near the two of major hotels of Sheraton and Meridian on the Abu Nawas street. The second blast was near the Babylon Hotel some 5 kilometres to the south of the first blast and the third was in Karrada district. Reports said the blasts were obviously co-ordinated explosions, intended to undermine recent security gains.