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1st LD Writethru: UN chief slams terrorist attacks in Iraqi capital

Xinhua, July 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned terrorist attacks in the capital of Iraq, calling on the Iraqi government to bring "the perpetrators of this horrific crime" to justice as soon as possible.

The secretary-general "is appalled by the utter disregard for human life displayed by the perpetrators, who struck as residents prepared for Eid al-Fitr celebrations," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.

A busy commercial district in southern Baghdad was hit by a car bomb on Saturday night, while a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden pickup truck outside a shopping center.

At least 126 people, including 25 children, and some 152 others wounded in the bomb attacks, the bloodiest attack this year in the country.

The Islamic State, also known as the ISIS or Daesh, claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack in Iraq, the third in a week.

Ban expressed his deep sympathy and condolences to families of the victims, and to the government and people of Iraq, the statement said. "He wishes the many injured a speedy recovery."

"The secretary-general appeals to the people of Iraq to reject any attempts to spread fear and undermine the unity of the country," it said.

"The secretary-general wishes the people of Iraq a peaceful remainder of the holy month of Ramadan," the statement added. Endit