People in an eastern neighbourhood of Baghdad are assessing the damage caused by a bomb and shooting attack on a shopping mall.

A crater is clearly visible at the entrance to the Jawhara Mall in New Baghdad, where a bomb was detonated on Monday.

Merchandise can be seen on shelves through store windows shattered by the blast.

Iraqi officials say the attack was carried out by seven men, one of whom died when he detonated an explosives belt as the attack began.

ISIL has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A statement, posted online shortly after the attack, gave details of a car bomb and four ISIL fighters.

It described the target as an area where many Shi’ite muslims are known to gather.

The statement warned of “worse” to come.

The context
The rise of ISIL has exacerbated the long-running sectarian conflict between Shi’ites and Sunnis.

ISIL is a hardline Sunni Muslim group.

The Iraqi government last month claimed victory against Islamic State in the Western city of Ramadi. It has slowly pushed them back in other places.

What they are saying

“It is a desperate attempt by terrorist gangs after our forces’ victories in Ramadi and other areas.” – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

Euronews