IS claims responsibility for twin suicide bombing in Baghdad

By Abbey Westbury
January 18 2018 04:03 AM

CP496434358 — Mourners pray over the flag-draped coffins of three bombing victims in Najaf, 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a busy street market in central Baghdad on Monday, in back-to-back explosions that killed wounded civilians, Iraqi health and police officials said the deadliest attack since last month\'s declaration of victory over the Islamic State group. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)

BAGHDAD – The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for back-to-back suicide bombings in central Baghdad that killed at least 38 people.

In an online statement issued on Wednesday, IS says the bombers targeted a gathering of Shiites in the Iraqi capital’s Tayaran Square on Monday morning. The attack struck as labourers and street vendors filled the square during the morning rush hour. More than 100 people were wounded.

In statement on Thursday, IS also claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack when, according to Iraqi officials, a suicide bomber hit a police checkpoint in northern Baghdad, killing 10 people and wounding 10.

Militant attacks have decreased significantly in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq since security forces retook nearly all territory once held by IS. Officials have warned IS would continue with insurgent-style attacks.