Smoke rises near the Iraqi Foreign Ministry after a massive bomb attack in Baghdad, Iraq, on Wednesday. (Khalid Mohammed/Associated Press)

A series of explosive attacks that targeted government and commercial buildings in Baghdad Wednesday left at least 95 people dead and more than 400 wounded, Iraqi officials said.

In a statement following the blasts, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki blamed Sunni insurgents for the attacks and acknowledged the Iraqi government must re-evaluate security to confront the challenge.

The blasts, the deadliest in months, are the latest in a string of attacks in Iraq this month that have claimed more than 200 lives and left hundreds wounded, after American troops withdrew from cities and towns in June.

The 130,000 U.S. troops who remain continue combat operations in rural areas and near the border, and will return to the cities only if asked.

Wednesday's truck bomb blasts and mortar attacks, which appeared to be co-ordinated, began midmorning and struck first near the Finance Ministry in northern Baghdad.

The deadliest explosion occurred minutes later near the Foreign Ministry, just outside Baghdad's heavily protected Green Zone, killing at least seven and wounding at least 55 people.

A 10-storey building that is part of the complex was badly damaged and the explosion was so strong it also damaged nearby buildings and destroyed dozens of cars outside, according to AP Television News footage.

The continued attacks raise concerns about the ability of Iraqi security forces to maintain peace in the country after American security forces fully withdraw from the country by Dec 31, 2011.

In his statement, al-Maliki said the bombers want to undermine an effort to take advantage of security gains to open streets and bridges and to lift concrete barriers.

He said the government must "re-evaluate our plans and security mechanisms to confront the terrorist challenges and to increase co-operation between security forces and the Iraqi people."

Many fear the 650,000-member Iraqi military is not ready to take control of the country and that violence will rise — Shias fear more bombings by Sunni militants while Sunnis fear that the Shia-dominated Iraqi security forces will give them little protection.

With files from The Associated Press