Iraq: Suicide bombing attack kills at least eight in Tarmiyah May 16

Event

A suicide bombing attack killed at least eight people and wounded some 31 others - including members of the predominantly Shi'a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - in Tarmiyah (north of Baghdad) on Wednesday, May 16. The attacker targeted a funeral that was being held in the town. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Islamic State (IS) militants have carried out attacks in the area in recent weeks, including an attack in Tarmiyah on May 1 that killed at least 21 people.

The area, including northern parts of Baghdad province, remains exposed to insurgent activity from militants operating in southern Salah Al-Din province and adjacent Diyala and Anbar provinces. Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over IS in December 2017, the group also 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.

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.