11 Jan 2019 | 11:12 AM UTC
Iraq: Car bomb attack in Al-Qaim January 11
Car bomb attack in Al-Qaim, near the border with Syria, on January 10; further attacks possible
Event
A car bomb attack occurred at a busy market in the town of Al-Qaim, located near the border with Syria, in the morning (local time) of Friday, January 11. According to military sources, at least one person was killed and 16 others injured, including four security forces. A local senior police source, however, put the number killed at three, with 23 injured. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Further related attacks cannot be ruled out.
Context
Al-Qaim was the Islamic State (IS) last bastion in Iraq before military forces managed to recapture the town in November 2017.
Advice
Individuals present in Al-Qaim are advised to avoid the area of the blast and follow directives issued by local authorities.
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.
