IS claims deadly bombing on Shiite mosque in Iraq

At least 10 killed in attack on worshipers in restive eastern province; 15 wounded in second attack northeast of Baghdad

By AFP 8 May 2015, 6:42 pm

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Militants from the Islamic State parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle on a main street in Mosul, Iraq, Monday, June 23, 2014. (photo credit: AP, File)

BAQUBA, Iraq — The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on a Shiite mosque in eastern Iraq Friday that officials said killed at least 10 people including a senior policeman.

Fifteen people were also wounded in the attack on Al-Zahraa mosque in Baladruz, a district in Diyala province 75 kilometers (46 miles) northeast of Baghdad, the interior ministry said.

There were conflicting reports on the nature of the attack.

The Interior Ministry said two car bombs went off and a police officer told AFP one car exploded and immediately afterwards a suicide bomber blew himself up.

IS, in an online claim posted on jihadist websites, said a suicide bomber in a car carried out the attack.

“Brother Abu Jihad al-Ansari… drove his booby-trapped car… and blew it up, killing dozens,” the statement said.

The Interior Ministry identified one victim of the “twin terrorist attack” as Colonel Adnan al-Tamimi, who led a rapid intervention force in Baladruz.

Friday’s attack is the latest in a series of IS bombings targeting Shiite districts or militias in Iraq, since members of the community have joined ranks with government forces to battle the jihadist group.

The extremist group, which controls chunks of Iraq and neighboring Syria, was present in many areas of Diyala province, which authorities said they retook in January.