Baghdad, April 09: A militant group has claimed responsibility for three large explosions near foreign embassies in central Baghdad, which killed at least 30 people and injured scores more.
Sunday’s deadly blasts were the “fifth wave” of series of attacks on Iraqi government targets that began in mid-2009, according to a statement released by al-Qaeda-inspired the Islamic State of Iraq on Thursday.
The statement added all embassies and international political organizations that deal with the central Baghdad government would be considered legitimate targets.
“The mujahedeen will not hesitate to strike, wherever it is located and no matter what the level of its fortification is,” the statement warned.
Attackers detonated three car bombs in quick succession before noon on Sunday which targeted the Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, and German embassies. Iraqi officials said coordinated strikes were intended to disrupt efforts to form a new government.
The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq is one of a handful of extremist groups responsible for numerous bombings and other attacks on civilian targets throughout Iraq. It is spearheading the militant attacks against US troops and forces loyal to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The militant group is battling for the long-term control of central and western areas of the country.
———-Agencies