Iraq suffered one of its deadliest days in recent memory, when at least fifty-one people lost their lives in a series of terrorist attacks in Baghdad and two other towns on January 11. ISIL has claimed responsibility.
At least 18 people were killed and 50 wounded in an assault on Jawaher mall in the predominately Shia Muslim al-Jadida district in Baghdad. According to Iraqi officials, a group of gunmen broke into the mall after detonating a car bomb and carrying out a suicide attack at the entrance. Several attackers were reportedly killed and four were arrested.
On the same day, at least 23 people were killed and some 50 injured in two bombings in the Iraqi town of Muqdadiya, 80 km northeast of Baghdad. The first was a suicide attack inside a casino, the second consisted of a car bomb detonated out on the street during rush hour.
The United States condemns the barbaric acts of terrorism committed in Iraq for which ISIL has claimed responsibility.
These attacks once again display the utter disregard ISIL has for the lives of innocent civilians. The United States stands united with the people of Iraq as they confront the scourge of violent extremism.
In recent weeks, Iraqi forces with American support pushed ISIL out of the key city of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar Province. It is the biggest population center to date that the terrorist group has lost control of.
The United States remains committed to working with Prime Minister al-Abadi, the Iraqi Security Forces, and the Coalition partners to support Iraqi-led efforts to degrade and destroy ISIL.
