Southern Baghdad shaken by blast; two killed

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD

At least two Iraqis were killed and another five injured by a blast that shook southern Baghdad on Monday, according to a local security source.

Iraqi police officer Zaher al-Khafaji told Anadolu Agency that an explosive device was detonated sometime around noon near a public market in Baghdad’s southern Sawib area, killing two and injuring five.

"Police have taken the dead and injured to a nearby hospital and are investigating the incident," he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but Iraqi authorities typically blame the Daesh terrorist group for such attacks.

Iraq has suffered a devastating security vacuum since mid-2014, when Daesh captured the northern city of Mosul -- now the target of a massive army offensive -- and overran much of northern and western Iraq.

According to the UN, more than 3.4 million people are now displaced countrywide -- more than half of them children -- while more than 10 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD

At least two Iraqis were killed and another five injured by a blast that shook southern Baghdad on Monday, according to a local security source.

"Police have taken the dead and injured to a nearby hospital and are investigating the incident," he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but Iraqi authorities typically blame the Daesh terrorist group for such attacks.

According to the UN, more than 3.4 million people are now displaced countrywide -- more than half of them children -- while more than 10 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.