Fresh wave of bombings in Baghdad take heavy toll

SBS World News Radio: Iraq's capital, Baghdad, has been struck by a fresh wave of bombings that's killed at least 72 people and left more than 140 people wounded.

Fresh wave of bombings in Baghdad take heavy tollFresh wave of bombings in Baghdad take heavy toll

Fresh wave of bombings in Baghdad take heavy toll

It's the second spate of deadly violence in less than two weeks.

Attacks claimed by Islamic State in and around the city last week killed more than 100 people, making it the highest death toll in so few days this year.

In the aftermath of a bomb blast locals are trying once again to pick up the pieces of their shattered neighbourhood.

They're cleaning up blood that's spattered almost everywhere, body parts of virtually unrecognisable victims; clearing away damaged vehicles as buildings crumble from the impact of the bomb.

A car bomb in nearby Sadr City left at least 30 dead and 57 wounded, while another car blew up in al-Rasheed, south of the capital, killing six and wounding 21.

The most devastating blast was a suicide bomb at a busy market place in the northern, mainly Shi'ite, district of al-Shaab.

At least 38 lives were lost, and 70 wounded.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this attack.

A local resident, Wathiq Hashim, says it makes no sense.

"An explosion took place here killing a woman, her brother and her niece. Some other people, who came for shopping, were either killed or wounded. What crime have innocent people committed?"

Others, like Haboob Ali, are losing hope over the random nature of the attacks.

"This is the second blast in Sadr. One is here and the the other blast was outside a restaurant elsewhere in the city. We are fed up with this violence."

The United States has condemned the latest string of attacks, with White House spokesman Josh Earnest highlighting the need for cooperation.

"This string of attacks by ISIL is the latest reminder of the danger that this group poses to all Iraqis, and the importance of Iraqi leaders from all communities working together against a common enemy."

 






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