Iraq: Blast in Sadr City kill at least 18 people June 6 /update 1

Event

On the evening of Wednesday, June 6 (local time), a blast killed at least 18 people near Fellah Street in the Habibiyah area of Sadr City (Baghdad). According to an interior ministry spokesman, the blast was caused by the detonation of a weapons cache stored inside a Shi'a mosque in the area. Iraqi security forces have opened an investigation. As of 02:00 on Thursday, June 7, it is unclear if the detonation was accidental, or the result of a terrorist attack. Further details regarding the event are still emerging.

Context

Areas around and to the north of Baghdad remain exposed to activity by insurgent networks operating in southern Salah Al-Din province and near the borders with Diyala and Anbar provinces.

Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over the Islamic State (IS) in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in the northeast (Hamrim Mountains), near the Tigris and Zab rivers, in rural regions of Anbar province, and along the Syrian border in the west. IS militants continue to carry out attacks, notably against security forces. High-profile attacks spur equally significant security responses, including enhanced checkpoint operations and more proactive operations, with resulting effects on transit.

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.