The Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a back-to-back twin bombing at an outdoor market in Baghdad, part of a series of attacks that left at least 69 dead across the Iraqi capital.
(FOX)- The deadliest attack unfolded in the Shiite-dominated northern Shaab neighborhood, killing 34.
Police told The Associated Press the Shaab attack started with a roadside bomb explosion outside the concrete blast walls surrounding the open-air market. Afterwards, they said a suicide bomber blew himself up as people gathered to help the victims of the first explosion. At least 75 others were wounded.
In an online statement, ISIS claimed the attack was carried out by an Iraqi and targeted members of Shiite militias. The Associated Press could not verify the authenticity of the statement but it was posted on a militant website commonly used by extremists.
Shortly after the Shaab attack, a parked car bomb struck a fruit-and-vegetable market in the Shiite-dominated neighborhood of Dora, in southern Baghdad, killing eight people and wounding 22 others, a police officer said.
In Baghdad’s sprawling eastern Shiite district of Sadr City, a suicide car bombing hit a crowded outdoor market, killing 18 people and wounding 35 others. In northeast Baghdad, a suicide bomber targeted a restaurant in the Habibiya neighborhood, killing nine and wounding 18.
Medical officials confirmed the casualty figures. All officials spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to reporters.