BAGHDAD, July 3 (AP/UNB) - Iraqi officials say eight people have been killed and 45 wounded in a series of blasts in central Iraq.
 
Local lawmaker Mohammed al-Moussawi said two cars exploded at a vegetable market early Tuesday in the Shiite city of Karbala, killing five people and wounding 30.
 
Karbala is located 90 kilometers (55 miles) south of Baghdad and is preparing for the arrival this weekend of thousands of Shiite pilgrims.
 
Hours later, two bombs exploded in the Sunni city of Taji, killing three people and wounding 15. A policeman was among the dead, said security and health officials who confirmed the casualties but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to release the information.
 
Taji is home to a military base and is 20 kilometers north of Baghdad.