3rd LD: Up to 21 killed in IS suicide bomb attack in Iraq's Baghdad

The death toll from a suicide bomb attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Sunday rose to 21 people and 35 others wounded, a police source told Xinhua.

"Our latest report said 21 people were killed and 35 others wounded in the suicide bomb explosion in Kadhmiyah district," the source said on condition of anonymity.

The massive blast occurred during the morning rush hour when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest at a crowded checkpoint near Adan Square at the entrance of the Shiite district of Kadhmiyah, the source said.

The blast set fire to several nearby civilian vehicles and damaged many others, along with destroying part of the checkpoint's building, the source added.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group has issued a statement, claiming responsibility for the attack in downtown Baghdad.

Earlier in the day, the source put the toll at 14 killed and 20 wounded in Kadhmiyah blast, according to previous police reports.

Iraq has been hit by a new wave of violence since the IS terrorist group took control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014.

A report by UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) estimated that 662 Iraqis were killed and 1,457 others wounded in acts of terrorism, violence and armed conflict in June across Iraq.

Many blame the current chronic instability, cycle of violence, and the emergence of extremist groups, such as the IS, on the U.S. that invaded and occupied Iraq in March 2003. Endit