IS claims deadly blasts in Baghdad It will be tough few weeks in UK: Boris

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a rare and deadly twin suicide bombing that rocked central Baghdad killing over 30 and wounding dozens.

The group said the bombing "targeted apostate Shiites," on a statement circulating in an IS-affiliated website late Thursday. The statement said the first bombing was carried out by Abu Youssef al-Ansari and the second by Mohammed Arif al-Muhajir.

At least 32 people were killed and over 100 people wounded in the blasts on Thursday. Some were in severe condition.

According to officials, the first suicide bomber cried out loudly that he was ill in the middle of the bustling market, prompting a crowd to gather around him - and that's when he detonated his explosive belt. The second detonated shortly after.

LONDON:

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that it was "too early to say when restrictions will be lifted" as coronavirus infections in the country continue to remain high.

"We've got to observe the lockdown, the stay at home message, protect each other and protect the NHS (National Health Service). It's absolutely crucial in what is unquestionably going to be a tough few weeks ahead," he said on Thursday during a visit to the Greater Manchester area hit by heavy flooding.

Johnson said figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other studies showed clearly that the new coronavirus variant, which was first discovered in the country late last year, is very contagious, reports Xinhua news agency.

"It is not more deadly but it is more contagious and the numbers are very great," he said.