Iraqi Association condemns bombs in Baghdad

Yesterday’s blast was the deadliest attack in Baghdad since March 6, when a pair of bombs detonated in the district of Karradah, killing 68 people and wounding about 120.

“Yesterday’s cowardly attack in Hurriyah district, in Baghdad, murdered 63 and wounded over 70 people, many women and children were among victims. We hope that this will not encourage further sectarian hate and violence”. Said Jabbar Hasan of Iraqi Association in Hammersmith and Fulham.

The explosion at a crowded bus station seemed timed to kill people heading home from work, as well as those leaving their homes to do evening shopping at the market that surrounds the bus station. The explosion, aimed to kill so many, raised the possibility that it was set off specifically to fan sectarian tensions. “This is simply an evil act.” Said Jabbar Hasan.

Hurriyah once had a large population of Sunnis, but sectarian hate and violence led by militias and extremists drove out thousands of Sunnis. The unresolved emotions from the bloodshed and convulsions that swept the district during those years poured out after Tuesday’s attack. But even amid the rage and anger, some residents said the solution was not vengeance, but for the
neighbourhood to go back to the way it was before the extremists, when Iraqis lived together regardless of sect.

We utterly condemns yesterday’s indiscriminate acts of terror, and we wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to families of the victims and those who have been injured.

Iraqi Association is a non-sectarian organisation assists people to settle and integrate, and operates IraqChild appeal to provide aid and protection to children in Iraq.