Iraq: 14 killed in 3 separate explosions in Baghdad

At least 14 people were killed and several others injured in three separate bomb blasts in and around the Iraqi capital Baghdad. Islamic State (Isis) militants claimed responsibility for the biggest blast wherein 11 died, including a some Shia Muslims who were on their way to an annual pilgrimage.

According to Reuters, the bomb exploded in a parked car in Saydiya district of southern Baghdad, killing 11 people and injuring 30 others. The casualties included pilgrims who were en route to visit the shrine of Imam Moussa al-Kadhim.

IS (Daesh) reportedly issued an online statement, saying that the attack was carried out by one of its suicide bombers. The bomber had targeted pilgrims in Dora neighbourhood close to Saydiya, the militant group claimed, adding that the attack was part of an offensive to avenge the killing of a senior leader.

In a separate incident, two people died after explosives planted in the ground in Tarmiya – 25km north of Baghdad – went off. Six people were injured in the blast. Meanwhile, a third bomb exploded in Khalisa, a town located 30km south of the capital. One person died in the incident and two were injured. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the two smaller attacks.

IS has been targeting Shia Muslims in Iraq as it considers them as apostates. Despite security measures in the capital, it has witnessed many attacks in the recent past. On 30 April, a car bomb exploded in the southeast of the city that killed at least 21 people and wounded 42 others.