Double bomb attack on Baghdad shopping mall kills dozens

At least 25 civilians were killed and scores wounded in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday night after a double bombing attack targeted a shopping mall in the east of the city.

The attack involved a car bomb and a suicide bomber near entrance of al-Nakheel Mall, in Palestine Street, an Iraqi police source told The New Arab.

At least 25 people were killed and 30 injured, and the death toll is likely to rise due to the intensity of the explosions and the large number of people doing their Eid shopping,” the police source added.

The bombing was most probably targeting shoppers preparing for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday, which falls on Monday.

Initial reports suggest that people inside the mall were not affected by the blasts that took place in the shopping centre’s parking garage.

Iraqi media reported that security forces have locked down the mall while they clear the parameter for other explosive devices, in addition to cordoning off Palestine Street.

Earlier this week, at least 20 civilians were killed and 22 others were wounded in a suicide bombing targeting Baghdad’s busy Karrada shopping district.

The Islamic State group, who in July carried out a deadly bombing in the same area that killed over 300 people, claimed Tuesday night's attack.

IS has stepped up its terrorist operations as it goes on the defensive and loses territory to advancing government forces backed by a US-led coalition.