Iraq becomes more dangerous as elections on the 20th April draw closer

Two separate bomb attacks near Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, resulted in numerous casualties on 16 April.

A car bomb was detonated in the town of Aziziyah, some 80km south east of Baghdad with at least seven people killed and 20 others injured in the bombing.

In the second incident, a car bomb targeted an army patrol north of the capital in Tarmiyah, Diyala governorate to the north of Baghdad, killing two people and wounding seven others.

The attacks followed one day after a number of bombings occurred throughout the country on 15 April.

Bombings were also reported in Tuz Khurmatu, Samarra, al-Chelam and al-Aetha (Salah ad-Din governorate); Nasiriyah (Dhi Qar governorate); Kirkuk (Kirkuk governorate); Baghdad (Baghdad governorate); and Baquba (Diyala governorate).

At least 55 people were confirmed dead and over 200 wounded in the apparent coordinated attacks.

Although there have been no claims of responsibility for yesterday's bombings, suspicion is likely to fall on al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). The group has significant operational capability and has claimed or been blamed for numerous countrywide coordinated attacks in the past.

AQI is opposed to the central government and the governorate elections set to be held on 20 April. Further attacks are therefore possible in the next week.

RPS Partnership advises against all travel to a number of central and northern governorates, including Wasit and Baghdad. 

We advise all business travellers to adopt stringent security measures at all times. Everyone in Iraq should also anticipate further acts of terrorism in the coming days. Heightened security awareness is advised in the vicinity of potential government targets.

Source: Red24

Photo: New York Times 16 April 2013