Two car bombs have exploded near the southern Iraqi city of Karbala, martyrs at least 20 people, 56 wounded… officials say.

The bombs went off on the road from the city of Najaf, which is often used by Shia pilgrims travelling to shrines.

Dozens of people were wounded in the blast, hospital officials told reporters.

Iraq has been without a government since elections in March and it is feared that insurgents are exploiting the power vacuum.

Hundreds have been killed in attacks by insurgents since the election.

Level of violence:

The blasts come as Shia pilgrims from around the country gather in Karbala to celebrate the birthday of Imam Zaman a.s.

Shia pilgrims, who often travel to shrines by foot, are still targets for Sunni insurgents, adds our correspondent.