Iraq: More than 60 Deaths in Extremist Attacks, Islamic State Takes Responsibility

At least 60 people have died in two attacks in southern Iraq. Health officials gave information about the number of dead.

The extremist organization Islamic State has taken responsibility for these attacks.

A suicide bomber blew himself up in a restaurant in the capital Nasiria of Dhikar province and some gunmen fired.

The attackers came in the military vehicles of theft. Police officer Ali Abdul Hussain told Reuters, "An attacker was wearing an explosive belt. He blew himself in a crowded restaurant, while some other gunmen started throwing grenades and firing on those who were eating there."

Shortly after this, a car bomb exploded at a nearby checkpoint. According to health officials, there are at least seven Iranian nationals who died and over 90 injured. Many of them are in serious condition.

According to the news agency AFP, a report says that the attackers were in the costume of the members of the Shiite organization Hashd-al-Shabi, who fought with the Iraqi army, fighting against Islamic State.

According to unconfirmed reports, some policemen have been killed in the attack on the checkpoint. But just how many people have died in that attack, it has not been cleared now.

The BBC's Middle East editor Alan Johnston says that Islamic State is getting one defeat after the other in Iraq and Syria, but they are still capable of aiming at simple goals.

It is believed that hundreds of extremists fighting for Islamic State are still ready to attack.

However, in southern Iraq, relatively similar attacks have been reduced. Where this attack took place, there is a huge crowd of Shia devotees who travel to Najaf and Karbala and those coming from Iran.