Iraqi PM vows crackdown on IS sleeper cells following deadly bombing

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday vowed to crack down on remaining Islamic State (IS) sleeper cells in the country after a deadly twin attack in Baghdad killed at least 27 people and injured 64 others.

According to an official Iraqi government statement, Abadi, as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, met with top security and intelligence leaders from Baghdad’s operations command.

The Iraqi Prime Minister responded to the tragic attack by issuing decrees and orders that “are aimed at cutting off the dormant cells belonging to IS,” the statement read.

The statement did not specify the nature of the orders taken by Abadi but said he issued “a set of directives, decisions, and orders related to the pursuit of terrorist sleeper cells and the punishment of them to protect the security of citizens.”

Although no one has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, officials in Baghdad blamed IS’ remaining sleeper cells.

The twin bombing was the deadliest attack in Baghdad since the Iraqi Prime Minister announced a “final victory” against IS late last year.

Iraqi officials had then warned that the militant group might resort to its traditional methods of terror by launching random attacks, including suicide and car bombings in crowded areas.

Dozens of people were killed and wounded in Monday’s twin suicide bombing, carried out by two bombers wearing explosive vests, at a workers’ gathering in the center of Iraq’s capital.

Iraqi police cordoned off the scene, and ambulances were seen taking the injured to nearby hospitals.