BAGHDAD – An explosion in the Adhamiyah district in northern Baghdad targeted a Sons of Iraq leader Aug. 17.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., a local national male, approached an SOI control check point near the Abu Hamifa Mosque wearing a personal borne improvised-explosive device and self-detonated the device.

The attack reportedly killed six SOI members and two local residents.
Twelve Iraqi civilians were wounded in the blast and later received medical attention. There was also slight damage to the surrounding buildings.

Initial estimates indicate the suicide attacker was wearing a vest containing approximately five pounds of explosive material that contained steel ball bearings for additional fragmentation.

The exact circumstances involved in the incident are currently under investigation.

“We lost a strong leader and allies in a cowardly attack last night. This attack by extremists against an SOI leader only tells us that they’re desperate and are trying to upset the security and peace of the Adhamiyah district,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 4th Infantry Division spokesman. “They know they are losing, and they will do anything to destroy the peace.”