BAGHDAD, June 22: At least 18 people were killed late on Wednesday when five car bombs exploded in Baghdad, drowning out cheers from an international forum in Brussels that trumpeted support for the new Iraq.

Three simultaneous blasts rocked the headquarters of radical Shia scholar Moqtada Sadr, a parking lot and a street in the mainly district of Shuala, an interior ministry source said, cautioning that the death could rise.

Throughout the day, a total of at least 25 people were killed and 60 wounded, including 46 in the three blasts after dark in Shuala, in various attacks around the country.

The explosions late on Wednesday also soured welcome news that a Filipino hostage had been released in Iraq and would soon be flying home.

Robert Tarongoy, held by militants since November, was now with Filipino diplomats in Baghdad, President Gloria Arroyo said in Manila.—AFP