Two car bombs exploded at police stations in two towns near Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least 16 people.

The first blast took place in Baqouba, about 60 km from Baghdad, and minutes later another car bomb went off in Khan Bani Saad, about 20 km south of Baqouba.

At least 12 policemen were believed killed in the two explosions. A 5-year-old girl was also reported killed.

Khan Bani Saad and Baqouba are part of the Sunni Triangle north and west of the capital that has seen fierce resistance to the US-led occupation.

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