07 Dec 2021 | 03:52 PM UTC
Iraq: Four killed following earlier bomb explosion in central Basra Dec. 7 /update 2
Four people were killed following a bomb explosion in central Basra, the afternoon of Dec. 7.
Event
A bomb detonated on a motorcycle at approximately 11:55 Dec. 7 in central Basra, leaving four dead and four injured. The incident occurred near the Genoa restaurant and Basra Teaching Hospital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion. Local political authorities have alleged the incident bears the hallmarks of an Islamic State (IS) attack, though unconfirmed social media reports claim it may have been a targeted assassination. Authorities will likely release more details on the source of the explosion once investigations are completed.
A heightened security presence is likely in the area as authorities investigate the incident. Lingering localized transport and business disruptions are also probable.
Advice
Avoid the blast site through Dec. 7. Heed the directives of officials in the area. Plan for lingering ground travel delays.
