Iraqi Anger Over Security Failures; Death Toll from Baghdad Attacks Rises to 213

On Monday, the people of Iraq expressed their anger over the government's inability to ensure the security of citizens while mourning at least 213 victims of suicide bombings by a group known as the Islamic Caliphate. According to AFP, the search for the bodies of the victims is still ongoing. The attacks occurred on Sunday morning in the Karrada neighborhood during busy hours just before the end of Ramadan holidays. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced new measures to address security issues, but the public is extremely angry over the government's failure to maintain security. Concurrently, with the announcement of three days of public mourning, hospital officials and security authorities told AFP that the death toll has reached at least 213, with more than 200 injured. Black mourning flags with the names of the victims are hanging from burnt and partially destroyed buildings, and announcements of the time and place of their memorial services have been made. On Sunday, Haider al-Abadi faced angry reactions from the public during his visit to the bombing sites. Images from the incident show a group of people throwing stones at the convoy carrying the Prime Minister, while another man curses him. However, Mr. Abadi's tone was calm and conciliatory. He stated, 'I understand emotional reactions in moments of mourning and anger.' The Islamic Caliphate group claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were carried out by an Iraqi and were part of 'a continuing security operation.' The group added that the target of this attack was Shiites, who are viewed as heretics by radical Sunnis. Since the summer of 2014, when the Islamic Caliphate seized large parts of northern and western Iraq, bombings had decreased. It seemed that the group's operatives and fighters had focused their operations in other areas. However, following recent military defeats, the group's attacks on civilian targets have increased. In several bombings in May, over 150 people were killed in Baghdad. AFP adds that given the movement of thousands of vehicles in and out of Baghdad during the day, preventing these bombings is difficult. However, security measures in Baghdad also have weaknesses. One of these weaknesses, pointed out by the public, is the use of fake bomb detectors at checkpoints. Years ago, a trader who sold these devices to Iraq was arrested in Britain for fraud, but security forces apparently still use them. After the bombing on Sunday, Haider al-Abadi announced changes to security measures, including the removal of fake bomb detectors. He also ordered scanning devices to be deployed at the entrances to Baghdad, banned the use of mobile phones by officers at checkpoints, and requested security forces to increase coordination and aerial reconnaissance operations. However, on Monday, police officers and soldiers were still using fake bomb detectors, claiming they had not been notified of the order to discard these devices. The bombings on Sunday were widely condemned by the international community. Jan Kubis, the UN envoy to Iraq, described it as 'a cowardly and horrific act of unprecedented dimensions.' In this context, the White House stated that the Baghdad attacks reinforce our resolve to support Iraq.