VIDEO: Dozens killed, wounded in explosion in Khurmatu
No side has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – An explosion on Tuesday in the town of Khurmatu in southern Kirkuk killed and wounded dozens of people.
Sardar Ahmed, a member of the Khurmatu District Council, said 23 people were killed, and over 40 others were wounded in a car bomb attack in Khurmatu’s Sunni-populated Askari neighborhood.
In a statement, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior spokesperson said the attack occurred after an improvised explosive mini-truck exploded near a grocery market killing and wounding several civilians.
The detonation targeted a gathering of Hashd al-Shaabi forces near the crowded market, security sources added.
The Iraqi spokesperson confirmed there were casualties among the Hashd al-Shaabi militias but did not provide any figures.
Most of the casualties were civilians, and the death toll is expected to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition, medical and police sources told Reuters.
No side has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
The assault is first since the Iraqi army and Hashd al-Shaabi militia groups took control of the town from Peshmerga forces on Oct. 16.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany
