Iraq urges global action against Qaeda butchers

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called for a strong international stance against countries supporting al-Qaeda-linked militants.

On Wednesday, the Iraqi prime minister urged global action against countries who give support to militants operating against the Iraqi government, saying Baghdad is “fighting to defend the world, humanity and justice.”

Maliki’s remarks came after a fresh wave of violence against civilians and security forces killed dozens across Iraq.

“If we keep silent, it means the creation of evil statelets that would wreak havoc with security in the region and the world,” Maliki said, adding that the “battle will be long and will continue.”

According to Iraqi officials, nearly 60 people were killed and dozens injured in a series of bomb attacks across Iraq on Wednesday.

In the deadliest incident, a bomb went off in a funeral tent in Shatub, a village near the northern town of Baqubah, leaving at least 18 people dead. Another 34 people lost their lives and dozens of others were injured when multiple car bombs exploded across Baghdad.

Elsewhere, in the city of Mosul, at least six soldiers were killed in a bomb blast.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but Iraqi officials say the main suspects are militants linked to al-Qaeda.

The incidents are the latest in a string of attacks across Iraq that has left scores of people dead since the beginning of this year.

Iraq’s Interior Ministry has said that militants have launched an open war in Iraq as they want to push the Middle Eastern country into chaos.