Twin suicide bomb blasts in packed Baghdad market

One of Iraq's deadliest bomb attacks in months has taken place with dozens feared dead after militants targeted a busy agricultural market in the capital.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

31 December, 2016

Bomb blasts have become a frequent occurrence in Iraq's capital [AFP]

Twin bomb blasts have killed at least 28 people and wounded dozens more in a busy agricultural market in central Baghdad on Saturday.

The blasts ripped through shops in the al-Sinek market area, a police colonel told AFP, with dozens more believed to be injured.

The bombers targeted a busy market selling car accessories, food, clothes, and agricultural tools and seeds.

Many of those killed are believed to be market stall workers and labourers, unloading produce.

After initial reports of roadside bombs, police now believe two suicide bombers detonated their explosives in the crowds.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for what was the deadliest attack to hit the capital since mid-October but the Islamic State group has claimed nearly all such bombings.

Baghdad has been on high alert since October when Iraqi forces launched an assault on IS' stronghold Mosul, making slow advances into the city.

Agencies contributed to this story.