RPS advises extreme caution in Iraq in the next few days

The violence seems to now be spiking as the elections take place.

At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured in a bomb attack in Baghdad, on Thursday, just before their weekend.

The blast reportedly took place in a coffee shop (the Dubain cafe) in the city's western al-Amriya area, a predominantly Sunni Muslim neighbourhood. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.

30 people died in Iraq on Thursday, with 118 people being killed since last Sunday 14th April. This is an average of around 20 per day and it is hardly hitting the headlines.

The incident follows a number of bombings near the capital in recent days and reported on by RPS Partnership. Suspicion for the 18 April bombing is again likely to fall on al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), which 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.

Likely targets in Iraq are state and Western facilities and personnel, as well as Shiite Muslim religious sites and communities. Civilian targets in Sunni areas of Baghdad are also at risk.

Election-related facilities and personnel, as well as political events, are also expected to be increasingly affected in the near-term. This time round, Iraqi forces are solely responsible for the polling day security. This is the first time they have been in charge without support from American or other international forces during elections since 2003.

RPS Partnership still advises clients to seek advice prior to travel to Iraq, as further acts of terrorism should be expected in the coming days.

Contact RPS Partnership for advice and training for travel to Iraq.

Source: Red24, AP and Times of India