Scores killed in Baghdad explosion

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – An explosion occurred in Baghdad’s Sadr City, on Monday evening, Iraq's Security Media Cell has confirmed.

An IED denotated at al-Wahilat market, according to a statement from the cell, saying there are a number of dead and injured.

Nearly 30 people were killed by the blast, medical sources told AFP. 

The market was crowded with shoppers preparing for the Eid al-Adha holiday, which begins on Tuesday.

ISIS-affiliated Telegram channels have said a suicide bomber was responsible for the attack. 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi ordered the arrest of the federal police commander in charge of the area, as well as an investigation into the incident by the Baghdad Operations Command, his spokesperson Yehia Rasool said in a tweet.

President Barham Salih condemned the "heinous crime" in a tweet on Monday evening, describing the attack as "unparalleled cruelty."

"They do not allow the people to rejoice, even for a moment, with security and joy," said the president. It was also condemned by the British embassy.

This is the third explosion in Sadr City this year.

Fifteen people were injured in an explosion which targeted a market in the area on June 30. 

Earlier in April, a deadly car bombing in Sadr City’s al-Habibiya neighbourhood killed and injured 20 people and destroyed five vehicles. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Thirty-two people were killed in twin bombings in Baghdad’s Tayaran Square in January, also claimed by ISIS.