Iraq: Deadly explosion in Tayaran Square, Baghdad on Jan. 15

Event

A double suicide attack is reported to have occurred in the vicinity of  Tayaran Square in Rusafa, central Baghdad on the morning of Monday, January 15. Although initial reporting indicated this included a vehicle borne explosive detonation at approximately 07:10 (local time) followed by a suicide vest explosion a few minutes later, the Iraqi interior ministry has since said that two suicide attackers were involved. The ministry also said that 16 people were killed and 65 others wounded; the death toll may rise further. Avoid area. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack at this time.

Context

Terrorist attacks are common across Iraq. Diversionary and retaliatory attacks by the Islamic State (IS) have become increasingly common as IS has recently lost territory in Iraq and in neighboring Syria. It is likely that the group will continue to employ asymmetric terrorist tactics with greater frequency, using small cells that can operate within the group's progressively fragmenting leadership structure.

Advice

Individuals in Baghdad are advised to monitor the situation and avoid the area of the incident.

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.