Twin suicide bombings at a Baghdad market killed at least 32 people on Thursday, injuring 110 others. According to Iraq’s health ministry, 36 of those injured are being treated in hospitals. The attack comes just a few days after Iraq’s government unanimously agreed to hold early elections in October, and a day after US President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Reports suggest that the incident took place at the Bab al-Sharqi commercial area in central Baghdad after a suicide bomber entered the marketplace with screams for help. As a crowd gathered around him to see what had happened, he detonated his explosive belt. The second bomber drove to the scene shortly after and blew himself up.
This was the first twin bombing to strike the Iraqi capital since January 2018, when 35 people were killed and 90 injured in the same market. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the strike yet, Maj. Gen. Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for the Joint Operations Command said that it was “a terrorist act perpetrated by a sleeper cell of the Islamic State.” Al-Khafaji stated that the extremist group “wanted to prove its existence” after suffering terrible blows in military operations aimed at rooting out militants.
Although the country declared its victory over ISIS at the end of 2017, attacks have risen over the past year, especially in northern Iraq where sleeper cells are still active.
“The twin terrorist bombings against the safe citizens of Baghdad at this time confirm the attempts and endeavours by dark groups to target the national needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people for a peaceful future,” Iraqi President Barham Salih said in a tweet. “We stand firmly against these rogue attempts to destabilize our country,” he added.
In a statement, the US embassy in Baghdad called the attack “a reprehensible act of cowardice that underscores the dangers of terrorism that millions of Iraqis continue to face,” adding, “We extend our condolences to the families of these victims, and hope for the swift recovery of those who were injured.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also condemned the bombing, saying: “Such a despicable act will not weaken Iraq’s march towards stability and prosperity. Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
Likewise, the Kurdistan Region Government Head of Foreign Relations Safeen Dizaye said in a tweet: “This horrific crime is a sad reminder that terror is still a real threat to peace and stability in the world. [The international] community must stand united against all acts of terrorism.”
Twin Suicide Bombings Kill Dozens in Iraqi Capital
The attack killed at least 32 and injured more than 100.
January 22, 2021
SOURCE: HADI MIZBAN/AP via POLITICO