By Haydar Hadi
BAGHDAD (AA & The Muslim News): At least 11 people were killed and 50 others injured after a car bomb exploded in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, security officials said early Tuesday. Daesh claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack.
The attack was apparently carried out using remotely detonated explosives inside a parked car in the city center, the officials said.
The bomb hit the central Karadah district. Security forces have cordoned off the area as ambulances carried the victims to nearby hospitals.
However, Daesh news agency Amaq said it was a suicide attack: “A blessed suicide operation has been carried out by the martyred brother “Abu Baraa’ Al-Adhami” in an area where Kafir Shia congregate in Karrada. He was able to slaughter tens of them.”
One of the persons who was killed was going to be married in two weeks.
The attack took place at Shmaysani Restaurant next to Faqma, a popular ice cream parlour, said Mohammed, an Iraqi who is in the UK also said the attack took place 250m from where he lives. He added that this was packed with people who come there after breaking their fast. The area is frequented by Christians, Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims,.
Another Iraqi, Hamza, who is in UK, said he cousing was about 30m from the explosion. “His car windows shattered, but he was safe. He was lucky”
Tuesday’s bomb attack came only days into the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
[Photo shows explosion in Karrada. Photo by eye witness in Baghdad]