BAGHDAD: A series of bombs struck a campaign rally Friday for a militant Shiite group in Iraq’s capital ahead of next week’s parliamentary election, killing at least 18 people and wounding 25, authorities said.
The explosions struck as some 10,000 supporters of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq gathered at the Industrial Stadium in eastern Baghdad for the rally of the Iranian-backed group. The afternoon event was organized to introduce the group’s candidates for Wednesday’s vote.
Reporters were at the stadium when the blasts, spread over about 10 minutes, hit the complex. Intense gunfire rang out after the first blast and continued throughout. The source of the gunfire was not known, but it is not uncommon for Iraqi security forces to fire in the air in the aftermath of major terror attacks.
Attendees fled to a nearby building under construction in the stadium complex as female parliamentary candidates screamed.
Iraq rally explosions take 18 lives
Iraq rally explosions take 18 lives
