Bombings aimed at markets in Baghdad has killed at least 23 people.

Local officials say that 40 others were injured, some critically, in the attacks. At least 16 were killed in a packed market in the Sabaa al-Bour section in northern Baghdad while at least 7 died in a bombing at a market in Dora district south of Baghdad.

Officials believe the attacks are related to sectarian violence that has rapidly increased over the last few months. Also, the violence in neighboring Syria has increased tensions within central and southern Iraq.

Some analysts believe an all-out war between Sunni and Shia Muslims like in 2006-2007 is a serious possibility.

However, Iraqi security forces say most of the attacks labeled as sectarian are really connected to members of al-Qaeda. The troops have been rounding up suspected al-Qaeda terrorists for the last few months.