Baghdad, March 31 (RHC)-- At least 11 people have been killed and dozens injured in a pair of explosions in a Shia neighborhood in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad as government forces continue battling the ISIL Takfiri terrorists north of the country.

Two simultaneous explosions in Husseiniyah district in northeast Baghdad killed at least 11 people on Monday, according to Iraqi security and health officials. More than two dozen people were also wounded in the bombings, which came shortly before noon local time. Police confirmed that two officers were among those killed.

The two explosive-laden cars went off near a security checkpoint in Husseiniyah, which is also a commercial hub in northern Baghdad. Shia-dominated districts in the capital have been a major target of terrorist groups.

The car bombings came hours after the arrival of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in the city. The UN chief met with senior Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi amid efforts by the Arab country to liberate Tikrit, a major city north of the capital, from the control of ISIL.