Iraq's Kirkuk rocked by 6 blasts; at least 5 killed

A series of blasts in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk have killed at least five people and wounded 23 others.

1 min read

30 May, 2019

Medical sources reported that at least five people were killed in the blasts [AFP]

Iraqi medical officials say a series of explosions in the northern city of Kirkuk have killed at least five people.

Security officials had earlier reported that at four people were killed and 23 others injured in the blasts.

The officials said the six blasts went off in quick succession Thursday night after iftar, the meal that breaks daylong fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. They struck center of the city when streets are typically crowded.

The nature of the blasts was not immediately clear, but the officials said they appeared to be improvised explosive devices. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Iraq declared victory against the Islamic State group in 2017, but the group continues to carry out attacks through sleeper cells, particularly in the country's north.