Iraq: At least 38 killed in two suicide blasts in Baghdad
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 January 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraq: At least 38 killed in two suicide blasts in Baghdad, 15 January 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a9fc7364.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last Updated: January 15, 2018 15:01 GMT
The Iraqi Interior Ministry says at least 38 people have been killed and 105 injured by two suicide bombings in central Baghdad.
Interior Ministry spokesman Saad Maan said the suicide bombers targeted Sahet al-Tayaran (Aviation Square) in the center of the Iraqi capital early on January 15.
Sahet al-Tayaran Square is a busy center of commerce and a place where day laborers gather in the early morning in the hope of getting jobs.
Witnesses told the German dpa news agency that the blast took place near a gathering for construction workers.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but many similar attacks in Iraq have been carried out by the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
The office of Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi said that he met with military and intelligence officials after the attack, asking them to "eliminate IS sleeper cells."
In December, Iraq's government announced the "end of the war" against IS after militants were expelled from the Baghdad region and from urban areas of Iraq that the group controlled.
But some militants are still active north of Baghdad.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
