Security sources in Iraq say 18 people have been killed in a series of attacks across the country.
The dead include two soldiers and four policemen.
Elsewhere, in separate raids eight bodies were discovered blindfolded with their hands bound. Six of the bodies were discovered in the capital Baghdad and two in the northern city of Mosul.
Meanwhile, fresh appeals have been made for the release of a British hostage in Iraq, Norman Kember.
The 74-year-old peace campaigner was kidnapped with three colleagues, two Canadians and an American, in Baghdad one month ago.
The families of the four men have issued a joint appeal for their safe return, which will be published in Iraqi newspapers over the next few days.
The Swords of Righteousness Brigade, which has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, had threatened to kill the group by 10 December unless Iraqi prisoners were released.
There has been no news of the hostages since the deadline expired.
