ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A deadly explosion in a market in Baghdad's al-Habibiya neighbourhood on Thursday afternoon killed one person and injured 12 others.
The explosion was caused by a car carrying “high-explosive materials,” Iraq’s Security Media Cell stated. The blast instantly killed the driver and another five vehicles were burned in the resulting fire.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility.
The car bombing was quickly condemned by Iraq’s leaders and allies.
President Barham Salih tweeted that the attack shows the "shamelessness of dark groups," describing it as a “desperate attempt” to return Iraq to the past, referring to the years of sectarian conflict after 2003.
"We stand firmly against these attempts, and we must support and reinforce our sacrificing security forces in combating terrorist cells," Salih said.
Deputy speaker of the parliament, Hassan al-Kaabi, condemned the bombing and called on the security forces to take precautions and provide protection for all areas and markets, particularly those with high population density like Habibiya.
Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Iraqis political coalition, urged security authorities to not "be complacent," warning that this would provide an opportunity for terrorist sleeper cells to carry out attacks.
The United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) also condemned the Habibiya attack and called on the Iraqi government to hold the perpetrators accountable.
“We call for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice, and stress the need for unity in facing the violence,” UNAMI tweeted.
The global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) said it was “appalled” by the car bombing. “The perpetrators of this crime will not succeed in dividing Iraqis,” the military alliance tweeted.
In January, 32 people were killed and 110 injured in a suicide bombing in the Baghdad’s central Tayaran Square. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State (ISIS).
Additional reporting by Sura Ali
Updated at 8:24 pm
