07 Dec 2021 | 09:23 AM UTC
Iraq: Explosion in central Basra, Dec. 7; casualties reported /update 1
Explosion reported in central Basra, Iraq, Dec. 7. Several casualties were reported. Avoid the impacted area.
Event
An earlier explosion in central Basra, Dec. 7, has left at least two people dead and 14 injured. The casualty toll is likely to be adjusted in the coming hours. The incident occurred near the Genoa restaurant and Basra Teaching Hospital. The cause of the blast is not clear; however, initial unconfirmed media reports suggest that the explosion was caused by a bomb. Security services have yet to comment.
Heightened security is likely in the area in the coming hours. Ground travel delays and business disruptions are likely in the impacted area.
Advice
Avoid the blast site. Heed the directives of officials in the area. Plan for ground travel delays.