At least 20 people, including four police officers, were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a busy security checkpoint in Iraqi capital Baghdad, medical officials have confirmed.
Isis claimed responsibility for the attack in which the bomber walked up to a checkpoint at the entrance of the Kadhimiyah district and detonated his explosive belt.
A further 35 people were injured during the explosion, with many in a critical condition in hospital with severe burns and wounds, medical staff told the Associated Press.
Isis posted a series of statements online, saying the bomber had acted on its behalf.
A security source told Iraqi News: “A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt detonated on the street leading from the Eden Square to Sanaa Square.
“The [death and injury toll] is likely to increase. Security forces later cordoned off the area. Ambulances rushed to the area and moved the injured victims to a nearby hospital."
Shia neighbourhoods like Kadhimiyah are frequent targets for Isis, which currently controls large areas in northern and western Iraq.
On 7 July, nearly 300 people were killed during an Isis car bombing at a shopping centre in Baghdad, the worst terror attack to hit the capital since the Iraq war.
