Islamic State Claims Baghdad Attack, Iraqs Deadliest Since 2007

Iraqi officials said at least 149 have died from Sunday’s suicide truck bombing in the country’s capital.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted Shi’ites with the bomb that hit a busy shopping area in Baghdad’s Karrada district.The attack is the deadliest in the city in a year and one of the worst bombings in more than a decade.

At least 192 people were injured and officials say that number is likely to grow as rescuers dig through ash and rubble using shovels and their hands.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered tighter security measures in Baghdad, but on the streets some Iraqis expressed anger over the government’s inability to keep residents safe.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is “appalled by the utter disregard for human life” shown by those responsible for the bombing.

“The Secretary-General appeals to the people of Iraq to reject any attempts to spread fear and undermine the unity of the country,” Ban’s spokesman said in a statement condemning the attacks.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck bombing, saying it targeted Shi’ites. The mainly Sunni militants consider Shi’ites heretics.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said Sunday the United States remains united with Iraq in their combined efforts to destroy Islamic State.

“These attacks only strengthen our resolve to support Iraqi security forces as they continue to take back territory from ISIL, just as we continue to intensify our efforts to root out ISIL’s terrorist network and leaders,” he said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

The militants swept through large areas of northern and western Iraq two years ago. Iraq forces fighting on the ground and a U.S.-led coalition of airstrikes have reclaimed territory, including Fallujah last month, but Islamic State still controls several large cities such as Mosul.