At least 35 people killed and wounded in market explosion in Baghdad's Sadr City: Sources
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – An explosion rocked a local market in the sprawling, densely-packed Baghdad neighborhood of Sadr City on Monday evening, with casualty numbers compiled so far indicating at least 35 killed or wounded.
The military press office known as the Iraqi Security Media Cell said in a statement that "a terrorist assault using a homemade explosive device exploded in al-Wahilat market in Sadr City."
It continued, “The explosion led to the injury and death of several citizens,” the statement mentioned, adding that the office would provide further details as they emerged.
Reuters citing security and hospital officials, reported that eight individuals were killed in the blast, including two children. Another 24 were reported as having been injured.
Videos purported to be of the explosion's immediate aftermath circulating on social media show crowds fleeing what appears to be the explosion site, just moments after detonation.
In April, a car bomb targeted a popular outdoor market in the Habibya neighborhood of Sadr City, leaving more than a dozen people killed and injured
Read More: Explosion rocks east Baghdad, multiple injuries reported
An earlier dual suicide attack in January at another crowded market in central Baghdad, leaving at least 28 killed and scores wounded, according to security sources.
Read More: Twin bombing in Baghdad leaves at least 28 dead, Iraq’s military says
“A terrorist attack was carried out by two suicide bombers who detonated themselves when pursued by security forces in the Bab al-Sharqi area in Baghdad,” Yehia Rasool, the military spokesperson for Iraq’s Commander-in-Chief Mustafa al-Kadhimi, tweeted following the deadly attacks.
Videos and pictures of the deadly attacks circulating on social media showed the dead and injured bodies of the victims scattered across the market.
Editing by John J. Catherine