There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on Wednesday, but the Islamic State (IS) group frequently carries out suicide bombings targeting civilians.
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2Train crash: Italian officials on Wednesday pointed to delayed, EU-financed rail improvements and the “risky”, antiquated telephone alert system used in parts of Italy as possible underlying causes of a violent head-on train crash that killed about two dozen people.
In the attack Tuesday, at least 12 people were killed after a suicide vehicle bomber blew himself up near a crowded fruit and vegetable market.
A suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden auto at a crowded checkpoint at Baghdad’s northeastern entrance in Husseiniyah neighborhood, the source said on condition of anonymity.
A report by UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) estimated that 662 Iraqis were killed and 1,457 others wounded in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in June across Iraq.
A medical official confirmed the casualties. It was behind two large-scale attacks last week that killed around 300 people.
The bombing, which sparked fires in a crowded shopping district, is one of the most deadly attacks in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion.
Iraq on Thursday marked the anniversary of the 1958 overthrow of the monarchy and recent victories over the extremist Islamic State group with a military parade staged in central Baghdad amid tight security.
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They will primarily be tasked with transforming an air base retaken this month from Daesh into a staging hub for the long-awaited battle to recapture Mosul – Iraq’s second-largest city – from Daesh militants.
