UN Security Council Condemns Terrorist Attack in Baghdad

Arab World

July 23rd, 10:01am

Baghdad - Fadhel al-Nashmi

Iraqi security forces inspect the site of an explosion in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq (Reuters)

The UN Security Council condemned the bomb attack targeting civilians in a market in the densely populated Sadr City, east of Baghdad, said the United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) Thursday. The Council renewed its support for Iraq's security and its ongoing war against terrorism. UNAMI issued a statement saying that the Security Council condemns the cowardly terrorist attack in Baghdad, which killed 30 people and injured at least 50 others. ISIS claimed the responsibility for the attack after an attacker detonated his explosive vest in an outdoor market. Members of the Security Council sent their condolences to the families of the victims and the government of Iraq, wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, affirming their support for Iraq's independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, democratic process, and prosperity. The Security Council reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most severe threats to international peace and security. The statement stressed the need to hold the perpetrators, financiers, and sponsors of these heinous terrorist acts accountable and bring them to justice. They urged all states to cooperate with the Iraqi government and all other relevant authorities in this regard, renewing their support for Iraq in its ongoing war against terrorism, including against ISIS. Iraqis fear violence and terrorist attacks would return to Iraq, as was the case in Baghdad a few years ago. Local media circulated a statement issued by the intelligence service warning of new attacks targeting the al-Sadr city. The spokespersons for the Operations Command and the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces did not comment on the matter. Despite official statements asserting that security will be maintained, and terrorist activities will not be allowed to resume, citizens fear the deterioration of the security situation. MP Mahdi Taqi said in press statements that the security situation in Iraq is witnessing a severe deterioration. The security performance of various sectors is declining, which will allow ISIS members to launch terrorist attacks, whether against military units or citizens. Taqi added that the lack of security would undoubtedly negatively affect the early parliamentary elections or even on popular turnout in the polls.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3094331/un-security-council-condemns-terrorist-attack-baghdad