Several people were killed in a terrorist attack in Baghdad. On Monday evening, a self-made explosive device was detonated on a marketplace, reported the state news agency INA, citing security circles. At least 21 people died and 33 others were injured, according to AFP. The French news agency learned this from medical circles. It is to be feared that the death toll will continue to rise. Army spokesman Jahia Rasul opened an investigation into the incident.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry said it was a "terrorist attack".
At the time of the explosion in the predominantly Shiite suburb of Sadr City, numerous people crowded the market to buy food for the upcoming Islamic festival of sacrifice, Eid al-Adha.
According to a source from the Interior Ministry, four women and four children were among the fatalities.
Video recordings in the online networks showed people covered in blood.
Some screamed in fear.
The terrorist organization "Islamic State" claimed responsibility for the attack on social networks.
As recently as January, 32 people were killed and 110 people injured in a serious terrorist attack in Baghdad.
Even then, the terrorist militia was behind the act.
Overall, the security situation in Baghdad has improved significantly in recent years. Iraq is still suffering from the consequences of the fight against the Sunni ISIS terrorist militia, which ruled large areas in the north and west of the country between 2014 and 2017. Terrorist attacks repeatedly shook the country. The Iraqi security forces were able to militarily defeat IS with international support - especially the USA. Terrorist cells are still active and are carrying out attacks.