ISIS Suicide Attacks in Baghdad Leave 70 Dead

In two suicide attacks in Baghdad, which are considered the deadliest in recent weeks in the Iraqi capital, 70 people have been killed. The group known as the 'Islamic State' has claimed responsibility for these attacks. According to Reuters, the attacks on March 1st occurred in a predominantly Shia area of the capital. Iraqi police reported that the suicide attackers rode motorcycles to a mobile phone market in Sadr City and detonated themselves. At least 100 others were injured in these attacks. In a statement on social media, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that its 'swords' continue to 'behead polytheists wherever they are.' A witness at the explosion site told Reuters that there was 'a pool of blood,' along with shoes, slippers, and mobile devices. Some other news agencies reported an initial death toll of less than 70, with at least 33 fatalities. Agence France-Presse reported that Baghdad officials stated this attack was the worst in the current year and over the past two months. Concurrently, the Islamic State also attacked an Iraqi army outpost in western Baghdad. According to Reuters, the military outpost attack occurred on Sunday evening near Abu Ghraib, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 Iraqi security forces. Reports indicate that these attacks were largely repelled by Sunday night, but some sporadic clashes continued. Iraqi military and security forces, along with government-aligned militias, have intensified their attacks against the Islamic State in recent months. A U.S.-led coalition is also providing air support for anti-ISIS operations. Iraqi forces have succeeded in pushing back Islamic State militants from the center of Anbar province and are preparing operations against this group in Mosul, the administrative center of Nineveh province.