Suicide attack in Iraq's Sadr City kills at least 35

Gulf Today Report

A suicide bomber took at least 35 lives and wounded dozens in a crowded market in the Sadr City neighbourhood of Baghdad on Monday, Iraqi medical officials said.

Security and hospital sources said the bomb attack targeted a Baghdad suburb on the eve of the Eid Al Adha festival.

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The attack took place in the Wahailat market in Sadr City, Iraq's military said in a statement. Two medical officials said at least 30 people were killed and dozens more wounded in the powerful explosion. They spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

People pick up debris at the site of an explosion in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday. Reuters

More than 60 people were wounded, a police source said.

Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attack, the group's Nasheer news agency said on Telegram. It said one of its militants blew up his explosive vest among the crowds.

Hospital sources said the death toll could rise as some of the wounded were in critical condition.

Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi held an urgent meeting with top security commanders to discuss the attack, the premier's office said in a brief statement.

Mourners carry the coffin of a victim, who was killed in Sadr City, during a funeral in Najaf, Iraq. Reuters

President Barham Salih posted a tweet saying: "With an awful crime they target civilians in Sadr city on the eve of Eid ... We will not rest before terrorism is cut off by its roots."

In June, 15 people were wounded when a bomb placed under a kiosk in another Sadr City market detonated. In April, at least four people were killed in a car bomb attack in Sadr City. That blast was caused by an explosive device attached to a parked car at the market.