Counting the cost in Iraq after dozens die in three attacks over two days
- Damage being assessed at Baghdad mall
- ISIL claim responsibility
- Two other attacks in nearby cities
The news
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People in an eastern neighbourhood of Baghdad are assessing the damage caused by a bomb and shooting attack on a shopping mall.
A crater is clearly visible at the entrance to the Jawhara Mall in New Baghdad, where a bomb was detonated on Monday.
Merchandise can be seen on shelves through store windows shattered by the blast.
In video and pictures
The moment when the Jawhara Mall in #Baghdad was attacked earlier today. pic.twitter.com/SstPj9fRVL
— Integrity UK (@integrity_UK) January 11, 2016
Location of Jawhara Mall on Rubaie Street in east #Baghdad. Site of tonight's VBIED/SVEST attack. pic.twitter.com/0qxye5YlqM
— Jim (@Robi__wan) January 11, 2016
Militants that attacked al-Jawhara shopping mall in eastern #Baghdad have been killed. 8 civilians killed #Iraq pic.twitter.com/BzjUdLJ5hT
— islamic world update (@islamicworldupd) January 11, 2016
What happened?
Gunmen stormed the Jawhara Mall in the Iraqi capital after setting off a car bomb at the entrance.
18 people were killed and 50 injured.
Nearby buildings and vehicles were badly damaged.
Who was behind it?
Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Jawhara Mall attack https://t.co/AYIw9nag9N
— Real Islam Movement (@arifislam21) January 12, 2016
Iraqi officials say the attack was carried out by seven men, one of whom died when he detonated an explosives belt as the attack began.
ISIL has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A statement, posted online shortly after the attack, gave details of a car bomb and four ISIL fighters.
It described the target as an area where many Shi’ite muslims are known to gather.
The statement warned of “worse” to come.
The context
The rise of ISIL has exacerbated the long-running sectarian conflict between Shi’ites and Sunnis.
ISIL is a hardline Sunni Muslim group.
The Iraqi government last month claimed victory against Islamic State in the Western city of Ramadi. It has slowly pushed them back in other places.
What they are saying
PM Al-Abadi visits the site of the terrorist attack that took place last night in Baghdad Al-Jadida pic.twitter.com/2qyj9Pr7on
— Haider Al-Abadi (@HaiderAlAbadi) January 12, 2016
“It is a desperate attempt by terrorist gangs after our forces’ victories in Ramadi and other areas.” – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi