Explosion in Sadr city, Iraq.

Image Credit: scmp.com
On Monday, an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a parked car exploded in the busy Al-Wahilat market in Sadr city on the outskirts of Baghdad, killing 22 people. At least 47 people were also wounded in the explosion. Children and women were among the dead. Some shops were burned down as a result of the explosion. The figure will most likely be revised.
A terror attack using a locally-made IED (improvised explosive device) in Woheilat Market in Sadr City, in east Baghdad, left several victims dead and others injured.
Statement by iraq’s Ministry
The bomb attack came a day before the Eid al-Adha holiday when the market is full of shoppers. No group has yet claimed responsibility, but it is most likely ISIS (Islamic State) as they usually carry out such attacks in the area.
Bombings in Baghdad used to be a daily occurrence when ISIS was still waging war against Iraq and Syria before 2017. Upon their defeat in 2017, bombings in the capital decreased by a lot, but attacks still persists. It is the third time that such an attack hit a busy market this year. In April, four people lost their lives after a car bomb attack in Sadr city. Like today’s explosion the car had an explosive device inside of it and was parked near the busy market. Back in January, 30 people lost their lives after a twin suicide bombing in a crowded commercial area in central Baghdad.
The commander of the federal police responsible for the area where the explosion occurred was placed under arrest under the orders of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The Iraqi military also said that an investigation has been launched.