Iraq: Islamic State claims Nov. 27 suicide attack in Nahrawan /update 1

Event

The Islamic State (IS) claimed the suicide bombing and shooting attack in Nahrawan (Baghdad province) that killed at least 11 people and wounded at least 35 people on Monday, November 27. Reports indicate that five suicide bombers attacked the Shammari market area of Nahrawan, some 28 km (17.4 mi) east of Baghdad. Security forces neutralized three of the attackers early in the attack. The remaining two suicide bombers reportedly detonated their explosive charges after shooting several people. IS claimed that the attack targeted members of the Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi government-sponsored coalition of anti-IS militias.

Context

Terrorist attacks are common across Iraq. Diversionary and retaliatory attacks by the IS have become increasingly common as IS has recently lost territory in Iraq and in neighboring Syria. It is likely that the group will continue to employ asymmetric terrorist tactics with greater frequency, using small cells that can operate within the group's progressively fragmenting leadership structure.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with proper security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.