The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a rare and deadly twin suicide bombing that killed over 30 people and wounded hundreds of people in central Baghdad.
In a statement circulated on an IS-affiliated website late Thursday, the group said the bombing "targeted apostate Shiites." The first bombing was carried out by Abu Youssef al-Ansari and the second by Mohammed Arif al-Muhajir, the statement said.
At least 32 people were killed and over 100 people wounded in the blasts on Thursday. Some were in severe condition.
The US-led coalition recently ceased combat activities and is gradually drawing down its troop presence in Iraq, sparking fears of an IS resurgence. The group has rarely been able to penetrate the capital since being dislodged by Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition in 2017.
The attack was the first in nearly three years to hit the capital. Elsewhere, in northern Iraq and the western desert, attacks continue and almost exclusively target Iraqi security forces.
The US-led coalition recently ceased combat activities and is gradually drawing down its troop presence in Iraq, sparking fears of an IS resurgence. The group has rarely been able to penetrate the capital since being dislodged by Iraqi forces and the U.S.-led coalition in 2017.
The attack was the first in nearly three years to hit the capital. Elsewhere, in northern Iraq and the western desert, attacks continue and almost exclusively target Iraqi security forces.