Gunmen attack Baghdad mall, IS claims responsibility

12 Jan 2016 10:39 AM IST

The Islamic State group is claiming responsibility for the Baghdad mall attack that killed 18 people.

People gather in front of the mall in Baghdad. (Photo: AP)
A number of major roads, shopping malls and bridges around the Iraqi capital were also closed for fear of follow-up attacks.
Following the attack, authorities shut down the city's highly fortified Green Zone, home to a number of foreign embassies and most of the country's political elite.
At least four police officers were among those killed in the assault, which lasted around an hour and a half, according to police and medical officials.
The gunmen were still holed up in the shopping centre in Baghdad al-Jadida, a police colonel said, adding that it was feared the attackers were wearing suicide belts.
Gunmen stormed into the Jawhara Mall after setting off a car bomb and launching a suicide attack at its entrance.
Gunmen blew up a car bomb, sprayed gunfire in a crowded area and took hostages in a shopping mall in eastern Baghdad killing at least seven people.

People gather in front of the mall in Baghdad. (Photo: AP)

The Islamic State group is claiming responsibility for the Baghdad mall attack that killed 18 people.