Reuters/Baghdad
A car packed with explosives blew up on Thursday in southern Baghdad, killing at least 18 people and wounding about 50, security and medical sources said.
The vehicle was parked in a crowded street full of garages and used car dealers, in Hayy al-Shurta, security sources said. The death toll could climb further as many of the wounded are in critical condition, a doctor said.
The bombing, the deadliest so far this year in Baghdad, is the second to hit car markets this week, after one on Wednesday.
Islamic State has stepped up bombings in Iraq in retaliation for a US-backed campaign that dislodged the hardline Sunni group from most Iraqi cities it took over in 2014. The militants also control parts of neighbouring Syria.
A suicide bomber detonated a pick-up truck on Wednesday in the Sadr City suburb of the capital, killing at least 15 and wounding 50. The explosion also targeted a street full of used car dealers.
Donors pledge $4.4bn for Syria, well short of target
Iran rejects any new N-deal proposed by US and France
Chemical Weapons: Inspectors take samples at second site in Douma
Syria donors fall short without US aid, warn of cruel end-game
Palestinian journalist shot at Gaza protest dies of wounds
Kuwait orders Philippines ambassador to leave in domestic workers dispute
Israeli ex-policeman jailed for killing Palestinian teen
Rouhani questions 'right' to seek new nuclear deal
Iran at UN offers dialogue to end ‘hegemonic illusions’
There are no comments.