Baghdad – 20 October 2014

1. Various of alley near where suicide bombing took place

2. Various of damage to the al-Khairat mosque following the blast

3. Various of residents gathered near the mosque

STORYLINE

A suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque in central Baghdad, killing at least 17 worshippers on Monday, according to local officials.

A police officer said the attacker blew up his explosives-laden vest as people were leaving the al-Khairat mosque in Baghdad’s Sinak commercial area following noon prayers on Monday.

The officer said at least 25 people were wounded in the explosion.

The attack comes a day after a suicide bombing targeted a Shiite mosque in the capital’s western Harithiya neighborhood, killing 28 worshippers.

A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to media.