Daily Trust

At least 60 die in twin attacks near Nasiriya

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At least 60 people have been killed in two attacks in southern Iraq, police and health officials say.

A suicide bomber detonated a vest and gunmen opened fire inside a restaurant near Nasiriya, capital of Dhiqar province, security sources said.

Soon afterwards, a car bomb exploded at a nearby checkpoint.

So-called Islamic State said it carried out the attacks. Shia Muslim pilgrims including Iranians were killed by the suspected militants. According to news agency AFP, one report said the attackers were disguised as members of Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisati­on) - a mainly Shia group that has fought alongside Iraqi forces against IS.

The attackers struck at midday local time (09:00 GMT) in stolen army vehicles.

“One attacker blew up his suicide vest inside the crowded restaurant while a group of other gunmen started to throw grenades and fire at diners,” said police colonel Ali Abdul Hussain, quoted by Reuters.

At least seven Iranians were among the dead, health officials said, adding that more than 90 people were injured.

 ?? Photo: Reuters ?? Rohingya refugees receive aid at the Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh yesterday
Photo: Reuters Rohingya refugees receive aid at the Balukhali camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh yesterday

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