UN envoy strongly condemns wave of deadly attacks in Baghdad

The United Nations envoy to Iraq today strongly condemned the wave of coordinated car bomb attacks and shooting that killed and injured dozens of civilians in several areas of Baghdad, the capital.

“Once again, innocent people going about their daily lives were viciously attacked. Nothing can justify such heinous crimes,” stated Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

According to media reports, the attacks were mostly car bombings and targeted small restaurants, groups of day labourers and bus stops in Baghdad during the morning rush hour. A suicide bomber driving a truck also attacked a police base in a town south of the capital.

Some 34 people have reportedly been killed and as many as 160 are though to have been injured.

Mr. Kobler extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the attacks, according to his spokesperson, who provided information on the meeting held in New York today between the UN chief and Mr. Kobler.

The two men also discussed preparations for upcoming governorate council elections, and the latest situation regarding the group of Iranian exiles currently residing at two camps near Baghdad.

Mr. Ban expressed unequivocal support for Mr. Kobler’s efforts to resolve the situation of the camp residents, and urged other parties to play a constructive role in contributing to those efforts.