Hours after Pentagon officials touted the death of the Islamic State’s second in command, a suicide bomber belonging to the terrorist group killed 24 people at a soccer match just outside Baghdad late Friday.
Iraq’s Interior Ministry said the bomber detonated himself as trophies were being awarded to players. Approximately 65 people were injured, local police spokesman Col. Muthanna Harith of Babil, told sources.
The Islamic State’s news agency Amaq claimed the group had killed 60 people at a gathering of Shiite militias, but residents of the province said the victims were civilians. The terrorist organization identified the suicide bomber with the alias Saifullah al-Ansari.
Earlier on Friday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter had announced the death of a major Islamic State commander, Iraqi native Haji Imam. Carter said the U.S.-led coalition was “systematically eliminating ISIL’s cabinet.” The bombing is not believed to be connected to the Pentagon’s announcement.
Brett McGurk, special presidential envoy for the global anti-Islamic State coalition, condemned that attack via Twitter.
Condemn barbaric #ISIL suicide attack during soccer match near #Baghdad. Victims include children. All must unite to destroy this evil.
— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) March 25, 2016
It’s the second suicide bombing in the Babil province this month. More than 100 Baghdad residents were killed in similar incidents in February.
