Rare security lapse in Iraqi capital sees suicide blast in Baghdad market

A suicide bomber has killed eight people and wounded more than a dozen others at the Jamila market in Baghdad's Sadr City suburb.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

09 May, 2019

Iraq's Baghdad Operations Center said several people were killed at the Jamila market [AFP]

An Iraqi security official says a suicide bomber has attacked a marketplace in Baghdad's Sadr City suburb, killing eight people and wounding 15.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of media regulations, said the assailant detonated his explosives vest on Thursday evening.

Iraq's Baghdad Operations Centre said in a statement several people were wounded or killed at the Jamila market.

Iraqis are out late during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims are expected to fast from dawn till sundown, before going out in the evenings to relax and see friends.

Iraqi civilians and security forces still face the threat of Islamic State group militants carrying out attacks, despite Baghdad declaring victory over IS in late 2017.

Late last month, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said IS' capabilities had "greatly reduced" but admitted the self-proclaimed caliphate is still a threat.

Iraq's security agencies have invested heavily in securing Baghdad, even as insurgents continue to harass villages and roads in the countryside. Thursday's attack marks a rare breach of that security.