Saturday, January 18, 2025
spot_img

19 killed in Iraq blasts

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

BAGHDAD: Bombs in Iraq targeting a checkpoint run by government-allied Sunni militiamen, a Shiite tribal leader’s funeral and a soccer field killed at least 19 people on Friday, in the latest strikes by militants seeking to destabilise the country.

More than 2,000 people have been killed in bombings and other violent attacks since the start of April.

The deadliest attack, which killed at least 11, struck the militia checkpoint shortly before midday in the village of Zangoura, which is just south of the former insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, some 115 kilometres west of Baghdad, according to police.

The checkpoint was manned by members of the Sahwa, who are Sunni militiamen that joined forces with US troops to fight al-Qaida during the Iraq War.

One bomb, apparently planted by the side of the road, was the source of the initial blast. A second detonated as villagers rushed to help the victims of the first explosion, police said.

In the town of Dujail, 80 kilometres north of Baghdad, a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into a tent set up to welcome mourners at the funeral of a local Shiite tribal leader.

Dujail mayor Naif al-Khazraji and Ali al-Haidari, a senior security official in the town, said the blast killed at least four and wounded four others. Dujail is a predominantly Shiite town surrounded by mostly Sunni communities.

Shortly after unset, police said a bomb went off near a football field in the Shiite-majority town of Madain just south of Baghdad, killing 4 people and wounding 15 others.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. (AP)

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

Plan Your Child’s Education Fund Using Monthly SIP Calculator

A child’s education is one of the most important financial goals for any parent. With the rising cost...

Study finds number of schools in M’laya disproportionate to population size

SHILLONG, Jan 17: One of the major challenges affecting the education sector in Meghalaya is the disproportionately large...

Trade body no to minimum wage hike announced by Cabinet

SHILLONG, Jan 17: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Meghalaya State Council (MSC) has rejected the Department...

Govt to follow blueprint if defence land plan fails

Relocation of residents from Them Iew Mawlong SHILLONG, Jan 17: The Meghalaya government is pinning its hopes on securing...