Iran condemns ‘heinous’ terrorist crime in Baghdad

Iran has strongly condemned a twin terrorist bombing in Iraqi capital of Baghdad, reiterating the Islamic Republic’s resolve to support the fight against terrorism.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Monday offered condolences to and expressed sympathy with the Iraqi government and nation as well as the families of the victims of the heinous terrorist crime.

The Islamic Republic is resolved to continue its firm support for the Iraqi government and nation in their relentless fight against terrorism which is rooted in extremist ideology of Takfiri-terrorist groups backed by foreign countries, he said.

At least 38 people were killed and 105 wounded in twin bomb attacks in central Baghdad on Monday amid weeks of relative calm in the Iraqi capital.

The bombings occurred at Tayyaran (Aviation) Square, a bustling center of commerce. Day laborers also gather there in the early morning, waiting for jobs. It has been targeted in deadly attacks in the past.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Monday bombings.

On Saturday, a bomb attack in northern Baghdad killed eight people.

But the Iraqi capital has experienced relative security in the weeks after the defeat of the Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh in early December last year.

Daesh began a terrorist offensive in Iraq in 2014, overrunning territory and brutalizing people there. The Iraqi army and volunteer forces soon launched operations to retake occupied territory and eliminate Daesh.

Victory in those operations was declared on December 9, 2017. But pockets of Daesh terrorists and potential sleeper cells continue to have a presence in Iraq.