Security forces say they pursued the two attackers before they exploded. It was the first suicide attack to hit Baghdad in almost two years.
The first suicide bomber entered the market and, pretending to be ill, asked for help, causing people to gather around him before he exploded, according to state media and authorities. The second bomber drove to the scene on a motorcycle before detonating his explosive vest.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although it bears the marks of Sunni jihadist groups that carried out numerous similar attacks in Iraq. Double bombing was common in the country during the height of the sectarian war between 2005 and 2007.
“The twin terrorist attacks on the safe citizens of Baghdad at this time confirm the attempts and efforts of dark groups to reach the national needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people for a peaceful future,” Iraqi President Barham Salih said in a tweet. “We are firmly against these dishonest attempts to destabilize our country,” he added.
A statement from the US embassy in Baghdad called the attack “a reprehensible act of cowardice that highlights the dangers of terrorism that millions of Iraqis continue to face”.
“We extend our condolences to the families of these victims and look forward to the speedy recovery of the injured,” said the statement from the United States Embassy on the Baghdad Facebook page.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also condemned the attack. “Such a despicable act will not weaken Iraq’s march towards stability and prosperity,” said UNAMI in a statement on its Facebook page. “Our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and we wish the wounded a speedy recovery.”
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi had an emergency meeting with senior security officials at Baghdad Operations Command headquarters. Kadhimi, who is supported by the United States, is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces.
Despite seeing a decrease in violence in recent years, Iraq continues to host several armed groups.
Iran’s armed groups backed by Iran have been accused of mounting attacks on US positions on a regular basis, namely the U.S. Embassy last year, leading to mounting tensions in a country battling a coronavirus outbreak and economic turmoil. .
Pope Francis is due to travel to Iraq for a three-day trip in March. He plans to visit Baghdad, as well as other parts of the country linked to biblical sites, such as the plains of Ur and Nineveh.
CNN’s Mohammed Tawfeeq also contributed to this Atlanta report.