Iraq: IED detonations in Sadr City kill at least seven people June 6

Event

A pair of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated near Fellah Street in the Habibiyah area of Sadr City (Baghdad) late on Wednesday, June 6 (local time). The blasts, reportedly targeting a Shi'a mosque in the area, killed at least seven people and wounded some 20 others, and damaged several nearby buildings. Claims of responsibility for the attack were not immediately reported. 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.