BAGHDAD (BNO NEWS) — At least thirty-nine people were killed and dozens more were injured when a series of explosions struck the Iraqi capital on Monday afternoon, police said.

The first explosion occurred around 3.40 p.m. local time in the vicinity of the Sheraton Ishtar Hotel on Firdos Square, across the river from the International Zone. The other two explosions — one near the Babylon Hotel and the other in the Al-Hamrah Hotel — occurred within 10 minutes of the first explosion.

Iraqi police said at least 39 people had been killed, while up to 70 others were said to be injured.

U.S. Forces in Iraq responded at the request of Iraqi Security Forces, a military spokesman said. They assisted at the site with forensic exploitation and aerial reconnaissance.

U.S. officials said they will continue to support the Iraqi Security Forces as requested.