Islamic State terror attack on funeral leaves several people dead

An attack on a funeral procession in northern Iraq has killed more than 10 people and injured at least 50, according to state media.

INA, the official government news agency, said gunmen opened fire at the funeral in Yathrib before fleeing the scene.

It said the “Islamic State” (IS) armed group was behind the attack. The extremist group has not claimed responsibility.

A military official, quoted by the Associated Press, also blamed IS for the killings, calling them a “terrorist” attack.

The Iraqi army has opened an investigation.

Last week, a suicide bombing on a Baghdad market killed at least 30 people and injured more than 50 was claimed by IS.

Northern Iraq has become a regular target for IS attacks since the United States helped the Iraqi military take back control of the region in 2017.

Iraqi forces often carry out anti-terror operations in the region’s nearby mountains and deserts where many IS operatives are believed to be hiding.

The number of terror strikeshas declined in recent years, but militants still try to target the Iraqi military with ambushes, raids and homemade explosives.

Source: DW