At least six security officials killed in Baghdad attacks Sunday, minister convoy targeted

At least six security force officials were killed in northern and western Baghdad Sunday in a series of attacks targeting the personnel in the predominantly Sunni Arab areas of the capital, according to Agence France Presse.

The attacks left three soldiers, including a police officer and anti-Qaeda fighters dead in the Hawijah, Balad, and Baiji nieghborhoods.

The bodyguard of Deputy Electricity Minister Khaled Hassan was also killed and another official was wounded in a militant attack that was targeting the official's convoy.

Sunday's attacks add to Iraq's growing bloodshed that represents one of the most violent periods of the country's recent history. In February alone, more than 700 people were killed, excluding those who are involved in the ongoing fighting in Iraq's Anbar province.

Many will argue that the "widespread discontent" among the Sunni Arab minority in the country has perpetuated the nationwide violence and near-daily attacks on security officials as well as civilians.