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The improvised explosive devices are rigged with magnets or glue so they will adhere to the underside of vehicles and detonated by remote control or with timers, The Washiongton Post said.

U.S. military officials report investigating roughly 200 cases involving magnetic bombs, an unspecified increase in usage of the deadly weapon, the Post said.

The bombs mostly have been used against mid- and low-level Iraqi government officials. Of particular interest are those who work in the army and police. But, attacks also reportedly have been aimed at local leaders, judges, journalists and members of U.S.-backed Sunni armed groups.

This sort of assassination attempt marks a shift from the mass-casualty attacks that triggered a backlash against insurgent groups and militias, U.S. military officials told the Post.

Iraqi officials warn all government employees to inspect vehicles each morning and to avoid leaving them unattended in unsecured areas.

Iraqi officials also said they had noted an increase in assassination attempts in which attackers use guns equipped with silencers, the Post said.

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