11 killed as suicide bombing hits Shia tent in Baghdad

By Ibrahim Salih

BAGHDAD (AA) - At least 11 people were killed in a suicide bombing that targeted Shias in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday, according to a local police officer.

A bomber blew up his explosive vest inside a mourning tent in Baghdad’s northern al-Shaab district, Zahir al-Aaraji told Anadolu Agency.

“Ten people plus the bomber were killed and 19 others injured in the bombing,” he said, expecting the death toll to rise.

Shias are taking part in mourning rituals commemorating the killing of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Hussein, in the 17th century.

While there was no claim of responsibility for Saturday’s bombing, the Iraqi capital has in recent months seen bloody attacks -- which often target civilians -- on an almost daily basis.

The Iraqi authorities blame the violence on Daesh, which still enjoys a significant presence in war-torn Iraq despite having suffered a string of recent military defeats.

Iraq’s security situation has deteriorated markedly since mid-2014, when Daesh captured Mosul -- the country’s second largest city -- along with vast swathes of territory in the country’s north and west.