Islamic State suicide bomber kills six in Baghdad

Jihadist group says attack carried out by an Iraqi national wearing an explosive vest; 18 people injured

By AFP 25 September 2016, 6:47 pm
Iraqi troops deploy in the town of Sharqat, 260 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Baghdad on September 22, 2016 as Iraq announces that its forces have recaptured the northern town from the Islamic State group in an operation launched ahead of a push for the city of Mosul. (AFP/Mahmud Saleh)

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A suicide bomber killed six people in western Baghdad on Sunday, an Iraqi security spokesman said, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

The bombing in the Iskan area also wounded 18 people, according to a statement from security spokesman Saad Maan.

IS claimed the attack in a statement, saying it was carried out by an Iraqi national wearing an explosive vest who had successfully penetrated security measures.

The Baghdad attack came a day after militants killed 12 people in gun and bomb attacks claimed by IS in the northern city of Tikrit.

Iraqi forces are preparing for a push on Mosul, the last IS-held city in the country, after regaining much of the Iraqi territory the jihadist group seized in June 2014.

But even as it loses ground, IS retains the ability to carry out deadly attacks in government-held areas.

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