US sharply condemns 'vicious act of terrorism' in Baghdad

Iraqi security forces and citizens inspect the site after a blast at Al-Wahilat market in Sadr district of Baghdad, Iraq on July 19, 2021. It is reported that 22 were killed and 47 injured [Murtadha Al-Sudani – Anadolu Agency]

The US State Department issued a terse denunciation on Tuesday after a terror attack in Iraq’s capital claimed the lives of 30 victims, and left dozens injured, Anadolu Agency reported.

“This vicious act of terrorism came in the evening prior to the holy day of Eid al-Adha, a time of joy for millions of Iraqi families,” spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

“The US reaffirms its commitment to support the Iraqi people and their government in these difficult times, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to the efforts of the global coalition to degrade and to defeat [Daesh],” he added.

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The Daesh terror group claimed responsibility for the devastating blast in al-Wuhaylat public market in Baghdad’s Sadr City district on Monday. The explosion took place during rush hour as Muslims prepared for the Eid al-Adha holiday, which began Tuesday.

Authorities are continuing their search and rescue efforts, and it is feared that the number of casualties may increase.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ordered authorities to initiate an investigation and bring the perpetrators to account.

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