Dozens killed in IS attack on Iraq's Sadr City

A car bomb which targeted a busy market in the Shia-majority Sadr City, killing at least 52, was claimed by the Islamic State group on Wednesday.
2 min read
11 May, 2016

At least 52 people were killed and dozens others injured when a car bomb detonated in a popular market in Baghdad’s Sadr City on Wednesday.

Extra security procedures were implemented at the scene, according to an interior ministry source, who suggested more attacks are expected.

Security barriers were put up around the scene of the attack, with cars and personnel banned from entering, the source told The New Arab.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack in a statement posted online.

It said a suicide bomber it identified as "Abu Sulaiman al-Ansari" detonated the explosives-rigged vehicle.

“Four other attacks were foiled by security forces across the capital,” the source added, suggesting “the suicide bombers were forced to carry detonates themselves before we caught onto them.”

On Monday, at least 10 people were killed and dozens injured in car bomb attack on a busy area in the Iraqi city of Baquba, northwest of the capital.

Diyala province was declared liberated from the Islamic State group in January 2015, but ending their open control of populated areas has not brought an end to attacks.

Baquba is among several towns in the Diyala province that have been hit by a number of large bomb attacks carried out by the militants.

In February, the province was the scene of one of the area’s deadliest attacks, when a suicide bomber targeted mourners in a crowded funeral reception hall, killing 40 people and wounding dozens.

Najat al-Taei, a member of Diyala's provincial council said those in charge of security need to be held responsible for the latest breach.

"Security leaders need to carry out their duties and ensure the safety of citizens by instating effective plans that are able to counter-terrorism,' Taei told The New Arab.