EU reiterates commitment to fighting IS after car bomb attack in Iraq

The European Union (EU) here on Wednesday reiterated its commitment and continued support to Iraq in the fight against Daesh, also known as the Islamic State or IS, after a car bomb attack earlier hit a busy market in Sadr City district in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

The European External Action Service spokesperson said in a press release that the attack "continues the appalling trend of terrorist attacks perpetrated by Daesh across Iraq in its attempts to undermine the restoration of normal life and government in the country."

"The EU expresses its condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured," it said.

The EU side said that it is of the utmost importance for all Iraqis to show solidarity and unity in response to the threat of Daesh, adding that "all the political leaders are expected to engage constructively in the interest of the Iraqi people and to overcome their differences to allow a united effort to restore peace to their country."

The attack, which killed at least 93 people and wounded more than 100 others, came after a car bomb was detonated near a restaurant in Baquba on May 9.

The IS, an extremist group, also known as the ISIS or ISIL, claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to a message on the Twitter account for Amaq, a media outlet linked to the terrorist group.

Iraq is currently witnessing a wave of violence since the IS group took control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014. Endit