Iraq: At least 21 people killed as two bombs strike Baghdad market

At least 21 people have died after deadly explosions hit a market in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Saturday, 31 December. The attack has also injured more than 40 others.

Two bombs exploded at a busy market in central Al Sinak neighbourhood, AFP news agency quoted the police as saying.

The bombs went off near a car spare parts shop in Sinak during morning rush hour, police said. One explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber, while the other was a planted explosive, an interior ministry official told Reuters.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility from any group.

The Iraqi capital has been experiencing frequent militant attacks that mainly target crowded public areas.

Sources said the death toll was likely to rise.

BREAKING: Huge blast in a market in the Al-Sinak area in central #Baghdad. More than a dozen casualties. pic.twitter.com/7jIZS4JreF

— Haidar Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) December 31, 2016