Nine killed in attacks in north Iraq

BAGHDAD, June 22 (UPI) -- At least nine people were killed in a series of bombings and gun battles in northern Iraq Saturday, Iraqi officials said.

Although no groups claimed responsibility for the incidents, they were likely connected to a surge of sectarian violence that has hit Iraq in recent weeks, Voice of America said.

Officials said the worst attack occurred in Mosul, where a suicide bomber targeted a police patrol. One officer and three civilians were killed.

Three police officers died from gunfire in Tuz Khormato. Violence was also reported in Tikrit and Smarra, VOA said.