BAGHDAD (AP) — Mortar shells and bombs targeted worshippers shortly after noon prayers on Friday at two mosques north of Baghdad, killing nine people and wounding more than two dozen others, police said.

It’s unclear what prompted the attacks, but violence has been on the rise ahead of provincial elections set for Saturday. The vote is for local officials in several provinces across the country, including the capital, Baghdad. Authorities have pledged to bolster security for the elections.