Serial Suicide Bombings in Baghdad, Iraq... "28 Dead, 73 Injured"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 21st (local time), a series of suicide bombings occurred in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, resulting in at least 28 deaths and 73 injuries.

According to CNN and other outlets, the series of suicide bombings took place in the Bab Al-Sharqi area in central Baghdad. Security authorities stated that two terrorists wearing suicide bomb vests appeared to have detonated themselves in the middle of a market. This is the first suicide bombing in central Baghdad in about three years since a similar series of suicide bombings occurred in January 2018 at nearly the same location, killing 38 people.

So far, no individual or group has claimed responsibility for this attack, but the Iraqi military authorities have stated that it was carried out by the Sunni extremist terrorist group Islamic State (IS). Tahsin Al-Hafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said, "Some of the injured are in serious condition."

Spokesperson Al-Hafaji explained, "The terrorists gathered people loudly in the crowded market center and then detonated the first explosive, followed shortly by the second bomb." He added, "This attack is terrorism by IS remnants," and explained, "IS is trying to assert its presence after suffering heavy damage in military operations."