Baghdad, September 12 (RHC)-- A chain of car bomb explosions has claimed the lives of at least 19 people and injured dozens more across Iraq’s capital city of Baghdad.

Iraqi security officials say the serial blasts occurred minutes apart in a Shia neighborhood in southeastern Baghdad. Sources say the attacks started when an explosive-laden car rammed into a checkpoint manned by traffic police in the volatile area. At least five people were killed in the first deadly attack.

Seconds later, a car bomb explosion at nearby markets killed 14 people. Sources say at least three traffic police officers are among the victims. Medical sources say more than 30 people have been also wounded in the terrorist attacks.

The blasts came as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Iraq on his first visit after the formation of a new Iraqi government. He made an unannounced visit to Baghdad at the start of a Middle East tour aimed at building support for the fight against the ISIL terrorist group.