Rebels attacked political parties’ offices in Baquba, north of the Iraqi capital, ahead of the country’s election, to be held next week.

The Communist Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan came under heavy gunfire, at least one policeman was killed, officials said.

Anti-government and anti-occupation rebels have stepped up their attacks aimed at disrupting the country’s preparations for Sunday’s vote.

Over the past few weeks, rebels launched numerous attacks targeting government officials, political figures, security forces and designated polling stations.

Also Wednesday, a car bomb, apparently targeting a U.S. convoy, went off on the road to Baghdad’s international airport, according to the Iraqi police.

No reports on any casualties have been released yet. Also the U.S. military didn’t provide any details on the incident.

The road leading to Baghdad’s airport, one of Iraq’s most dangerous highways, has been the scene of numerous car bombs, and other violent attacks targeting U.S.

convoys