Iraq ? A series of assassinations and bombings across Iraq on Monday killed at least 85 people, an apparent show of force by a weakened insurgency.

The attacks made it the deadliest day in Iraq this year and underscored the fragility of security gains during a period of soaring political tension. Nearly 300 people were reportedly wounded.

Predominantly Shiite southern provinces that have been among the safest in Iraq in recent years were the hardest hit.

No group claimed responsibility, but Iraqi officials blamed the Sunni insurgent group al-Qaida in Iraq.