Baghdad: 'At least 17 dead' in suicide bombing

A suicide bomber driving a car killed at least 17 people and wounded more than 40 others on Saturday in an attack near a group of Shi'ite Muslim pilgrims in a southeastern suburb of Baghdad, Iraqi police sources said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast at a market in the Nahrawan district but Islamic State militants regularly attack Shi'ite Muslims, whom they consider apostates.

The pilgrims had been heading to Baghdad's Imam Kadhim shrine to commemorate the 8th century death of one of Shi'ite Islam's senior figures.

Security has gradually improved in Baghdad, which was the target of daily bombings a decade ago, but attacks against both the security forces and civilians are still frequent.

The rise of Islamic State, which is fighting government forces for control of swathes of northern and western Iraq, has exacerbated the country's sectarian conflict, mostly between Shi'ites and Sunnis, which emerged after the 2003 US-led invasion.

related articles
What \'turn the other cheek\' means (and doesn\'t) in an age of terrorism
What 'turn the other cheek' means (and doesn't) in an age of terrorism

What 'turn the other cheek' means (and doesn't) in an age of terrorism

Baghdad bombing: ISIS Suicide bomber attacks football stadium, killing 29

Baghdad bombing: ISIS Suicide bomber attacks football stadium, killing 29

Baghdad: Three more dead as ISIS continue suicide bombing campaign

Baghdad: Three more dead as ISIS continue suicide bombing campaign

Fallujah: Besieged city is starving to death under ISIS control

Fallujah: Besieged city is starving to death under ISIS control

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.