Baghdad, Jan. 22, (dpa/GNA) – The Islamic State terror group early on Friday claimed responsibility for a twin suicide attack that killed at least 32 people at a street market in central Baghdad.
The Thursday attack was the most serious to hit the Iraqi capital in around three years.
The group said on its Telegram channel that “one of our knights of martyrdom” headed towards a gathering in the central Tayaran Square and, when people began to assemble, he set off his explosive belt.
Islamic State added that another of its “knights of martyrdom” blew himself up “when people started to gather after the first blast.”
An army spokesman said that two suicide bombers blew themselves up while they were being pursued by security forces.
A witness told Dijlah TV that the first attacker pretended to be sick and was shouting in pain, then blew himself up after people gathered around him in the middle of a street market where clothing is sold.
The second blast took place around 10 minutes later, the witness added.
Around 110 people were injured, including 36 who are being treated in hospital.
The United Nations mission in Iraq condemned the attack, referring to it as “a despicable act” that will not weaken Iraq’s march towards stability and prosperity.
Turkey said it strongly condemned “this heinous terrorist attack” and reiterated its support to its “friend and neighbour Iraq in the fight against terrorism,” according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
The United States, Jordan and Egypt have also condemned the attack and extended condolences to families of the victims.
In December 2017, Iraq declared victory over Islamic State, having recaptured all the territory seized by the extremists since 2014. However, members of the terror group have continued to carry out scattered attacks across the war-torn country.
GNA