21 September 2013 Iraq attacks

On 21 September 2013, a series of car and suicide bombings struck the central and northern regions of Iraq, with the largest attack targeting a funeral in Sadr City, a predominantly Shi'ite neighborhood of Baghdad. The attacks left at least 115 dead and more than 200 others injured.^[2][3][1]

Background

From a peak of 3,000 deaths per month in 2006–07, violence in Iraq decreased steadily for several years before beginning to rise again in 2012.

The attack in Sadr City took place shortly before sunset, just as dinner was being served at one of the tents set up for the funeral of a member of the al-Fartousi tribe. At least two suicide bombers took part in the assault - one driving almost into the tent before detonating his payload, while the other approached on foot moments later and detonated his vest nearby. Initial reports spoke of at least 60 dead, though the numbers rose to 78 killed and 202 injured by 22 September.[8] Locals estimated around 500 people were attending the event, many of whom had to be taken to hospitals in civilian vehicles in the aftermath of the bombings. Firefighters had to reportedly leave the scene to refill their trucks with water, as they struggled to contain the immense blaze set off by the explosions. Less than two hours later, an additional bombing struck Baghdad's Ur neighborhood, adjacent to Sadr City, killing 9 civilians and injuring 14 others. Four people were also shot and killed at a liquor store in Adhamiyah.^[3][1]

Several other attacks were reported from around Iraq, most notably an assault on an elite police unit near

• List of terrorist incidents, January–June 2013
• 2012–2013 Iraqi protests

References