The death toll from two suicide bombings in a crowded market in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, has risen to 32 people and injured 100 others officials said.
The attacks took place in the commercial area of Bab-al-Sharqi in central Baghdad amid political tensions and a serious economic crisis over the country’s planned early elections. The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
IS claimed responsibility for the attack. Although IS has been defeated in Iraq, it still has a few supporters.
Security forces immediately evacuated the area after two suicide bombers struck in Bhar Bazaar.
The moment of the second suicide attack in Baghdad #Iraq pic.twitter.com/0tsxTNwEgW
— Steven Nabil (@thestevennabil) January 21, 2021
The Iraqi army said some of the wounded were in critical condition. All hospitals in Baghdad are treating the wounded, the Iraqi Ministry of Health said.
According to the Iraqi Interior Ministry, the first suicide bomber entered the market on the grounds that he was ill. As the crowd grew closer to him, he caused an explosion. The bomber struck in front of a crowd of mourners.
The commercial area of Baghdad was targeted for the first time in three years. Earlier in 2018, a suicide bomber struck in the same area after former Prime Minister Haider al-Abdi declared victory over the Islamic State group.