Iraqi security services failed to prevent three heavy bomb attacks which have hit the capital Baghdad since August.

Iraqi officials were aware of plans to attack the capital, but did not intervene. Responding to questioning by MPs, a number of ministers told the Iraqi parliament that officials had been informed in advance about the attacks in August, October and last week. The interior, defence and security ministers put the failure down to bureaucracy, lack of coordination and political division. Around 300 people were killed in the bombings.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said political rivalry was paralysing the security services. Many Iraqis suspect some parts of the security services are collaborating with militant Sunnis.

Photo: October bombing in Baghdad - ANP