UN General Assembly president outraged by deadly Baghdad attacks

The president of the UN General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, expressed outrage on Sunday at the bombings in the Iraqi capital, which killed at least 126 people and left many more badly injured.

"This horrific act of violence perpetrated upon people, including many children, just going about their business during the Holy month of Ramadan is outrageous. This despicable attack is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms," Lykketoft said in a statement.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their loved ones. In the face of terror, we stand firmly with the people and Government of Iraq," the president said.

At least 126 people, including 25 children, were killed on Saturday evening in the terrorist attacks in a busy shopping district in Baghdad.

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

Earlier Sunday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks, calling on the Iraqi government to ensure that "the perpetrators of this horrific crime are brought to justice as soon as possible."

The attacks were the bloodiest this year in Iraq where the army was fighting against the Islamic State militants. Endit