TEHRAN (FNA)- A suicide attacker staged a double bombing near a Shiite mosque in Northern Baghdad as worshippers were leaving after evening prayers on Wednesday, killing at least 35 in the latest deadly episode of violence to rock the country, according to Iraqi authorities.


Wednesday's explosions went off as the heat of the day was easing after sunset and worshippers and shoppers filled the streets. The area targeted is known as Kasra, a predominantly Shiite enclave in a part of the city that is otherwise largely Sunni.

A suicide bomber made his way to the gate of the mosque and then blew himself up. Shortly afterward, a car he apparently arrived in exploded nearby, police said.

At least 52 people were wounded, according to police and hospital officials, who confirmed the casualty numbers. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to release the information.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Suicide and car bombings targeting Shiites are frequently the work of Al-Qaeda's branch in Iraq, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

Wednesday's blast struck a day after bombings and a shooting killed at least 24 civilians in Iraq.

The United Nations says more than 4,000 people have been killed over the past five months, including 804 in August.

By Fars News Agency

 

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