Death toll continues to rise after Suicide Truck Bombing in Baghdad

Published on:

05 Jul 2016, 1:00 am

Iraqi officials said Monday at least 151 have died in one of the deadliest attacks in Baghdad since the American invasion of 2003
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered tighter security measures in Baghdad, but on the streets some Iraqis expressed anger over the government's inability to keep residents safe
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck bombing, saying it targeted Shi'ites. The mainly Sunni militants consider Shi'ites heretics

After Sunday's suicide truck bombing in Baghdad, death toll continues to rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble

Iraqi officials said Monday at least 151 have died in one of the deadliest attacks in Baghdad since the American invasion of 2003.

Suicide truck bombing in Baghdad. Image Source: Reuters

At least 200 people were injured and officials say that number may continue to grow as rescuers dig through ash and rubble using shovels and their hands.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered tighter security measures in Baghdad, but on the streets some Iraqis expressed anger over the government's inability to keep residents safe.

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The U.S. Department of State condemned the attack, noting the blast was timed to coincide with crowds flooding the Karrada markets as Muslims broke their daily Ramadan fast.

Suicide Truck bombing site. Image Source: Reuters

"We will continue to unite the world against this evil, remove their safe havens, and uproot their global networks," the statement read.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck bombing, saying it targeted Shi'ites. The mainly Sunni militants consider Shi'ites heretics.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is "appalled by the utter disregard for human life" shown by those responsible for the bombing.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said Sunday the United States remains united with Iraq in their combined efforts to destroy Islamic State.

Investigation at suicide truck bombing site. Image Source: Reuters

Last week, the U.S. envoy to the coalition against Islamic State said he believes the coalition is moving at a tempo that will lead to the ultimate defeat of IS. Brett McGurk told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that IS territory has shrunk by almost 50 percent in the last 18 months.

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But CIA Director John Brennan said a week earlier that Islamic State has no intention of slowing fading away, and instead it has been shifting its focus to ensure it remains the world's top terror organization.

Two years ago, militants were removed through large area of northern and western Iraq. Iraq forces fighting on the ground and US led coalition of airstrikes reclaimed the territory including Fallujah, but still IS controls various cities including Mosul.

Deadliest IS Attacks in Iraq This Year

June 9: Two suicide bombers kill more than 20 in Baghdad

May 17: Wave of bombs across Baghdad kill almost 70

May 11: Car bombs in Baghdad kill more than 75, deadliest attack was at Sadr City market

March 25: Suicide blast kills 30 south of Baghdad

March 6: Suicide truck bomber kills 47 in Hilla

February 28: Attacks across Baghdad kill dozens