At least 7 Iraqi school children die in Baghdad attacks

At least seven Iraqi children have died after their schools were caught up in a day of sustained violence across Baghdad and other parts of Iraq.

A mortar hit a Baghdad high school, killing at least five girls, while a bomb blast hit a primary school in Ramadi, leaving two children dead.

Fighting has meanwhile erupted near the holy city of Najaf, where a US military helicopter was reportedly shot down.

The violence comes as Shia Muslims mark Ashura, one of their holiest festivals.

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